Full Name: Brooklyn "Brook" White From (Hometown): Syracuse, New York Gender: Female Ethnicity: Caucasian Traits (Appearance): Blonde Hair, 5'5", slightly small stature, innocent and weak persona, 21 years old Reason for coming on the plane: Taking a vacation to clear her mind Brief History (Criminal record, past): Her mom died in a house fire when she was 12 years old (believed to be not accidental) while her father was overseas with the army. She lived in a protective household with limited access to the outside world for most of her childhood after that incident. Her free time was spent learning how to defend and save herself from danger. She had a rough relationship with her dad during her teenage years and decided to move out to Florida at eighteen to pursue a music career. Anything else: She produced an EP a year after she moved, but the sales were too low for her to make enough money. To pay her rent, she worked at a daycare in between studio days.
DAY ONE
"Dad I'm fine on my own, I've been fine on my own" I argued, "I'm making a good living."
"But if you would join the military like I've asked you to, you would be better off than living in a dingy apartment in Miami," My father shouted.
"I don't want to be part of your military legacy dad. I can make my own path."
"And continuing to fail at getting music gigs is helping?"
"I'm getting better. If you would just--" I was cut off by loud rumbles of thunder.
"Brook honey what's going on?" Dad questioned with a worried tone of voice.
I kept the phone to my ear with a shaky hand, but the diminishing connection only let bits and pieces of the emergency through. The sounds of static, the speakers, and my voice mixed together in a frantic mess.
"Dad? Dad--we advise that all passengers--shhh--remain seated--shhh--Dad please help--the captain is making sure--we're gonna crash--shhh."
"Brooklyn? Brook stay on the phone!" My father yelled over the noise.
Nobody was there to hear it.
Disorientation was all I could feel as my eyes opened after what felt like an eternity. A blur of greens and blues passed through my field of vision, making me feel sick to my stomach. I tried to shake away the fog from my head and the ringing from my ears. I needed to find somewhere safe, somewhere with other survivors. I spent a great amount of time searching for any other sign of life, not getting very far with my possible concussion. Sitting down at the base of a nearby tree, I paused to catch my breath. The initial shock of the crash still left me unable to function at my normal capacity.
My spirits grew as another person appeared in the distance. Could it be someone from the crash? My celebration was short lived, however, when that stranger began to run towards me.
DAY TWO
My heart beat faster and faster as the stranger ran towards me. This is it. It's fight or flight and the person was too close to do the latter. I stood up, ready to defend my own life. The distance between us got smaller and smaller until the stranger slowed to a walk a few feet away from me. I was prepared for the worst, but to my surprise, the stranger only calmly grabbed my hand and directed me away from the tree. I was being led to a camp, as I was told, of other crash survivors.
For the first time since I've moved away from my family, I felt like I was a part of something. The group was cooperative and willing to help each other out. Some nights, we would hang out by the fire, forgetting the struggles we had to deal with for a moment.We shared laughs, and got to know each other better. I could finally be myself and not the tough girl my dad wanted me to be. The fire reminded me a lot of the scene from Pitch Perfect 2, except there were guys, and there were no lesbians, but I tried to block out the noises of the jungle while I slept, so who knows what happened in the dark. I was pretty sure some people had the hots for each other to be honest.
I was just glad that I didn't have to worry about fighting for my life.
DAY THREE
My group mate, Janice--who was unofficially named the "crazy one" of the camp behind her back--woke us all up with her shrill cries of panic, "Oh my God, Lucy! Somebody please! Oh my God! No. No. No. Why? How did--"
"Janice, calm down. What's got you so riled up this morning?" Beth--the caregiver of the group--asked with annoyance.
Everyone knew that Janice would go off on crazy rants for hours on end almost every other day, so today just so happened to be one of those times.
"C'mon Janice, lets go take a nice walk," Beth suggested.
"Off a cliff is more like it," My tent mate Allie whispered to herself, earning a slap on the shoulder from George, the youngest member of our group.
"No! But my baby Lucy! I can't leave her here!" Janice screamed.
"Your daughter is fine. She'll be okay when you get back." Beth consoled Janice while tightly grabbing her arm.
"Let go of me! Lucy's dead!"
"No she's not. She's just sleeping inside her--"
George opened Lucy's tent and jumped back in horror as her cold body was slumped on the ground, a pool of crimson blood coating the brown earth. Her signature pink headband was covering her mouth. The whole group watched as he slowly dragged her out of the shelter into the open air. Janice collapsed on Beth, who had fallen to the ground at the sight of Lucy's body. Everyone stood in shock, staring at Lucy. She had been violently stabbed multiple times in the torso, and it was assumed that she suffered a long and painful death.
We had a funeral, or a makeshift funeral, for Lucy that afternoon. Flowers from nearby plants were gathered in bouquets and placed on top of the mound of dirt where she was buried. Others took berries and used them as paint to mark her grave. We grieved for many days.
The only question now is: who killed her and why?
DAY FOUR
I don't know how long it's been since Lucy's death, but now I count my days like they're my last ones. After Lucy, Janice was killed in the same way. We buried her right next to her daughter. Soon two more people from my group were dead, all from the mystery killer. The remainder of us became nomads. We switched campsites almost every other day, but the killer kept finding us. Our group of twenty became a group of ten. Panic began to arise and tensions grew between us. I tried to not let the paranoia set in, but it doesn't help the fact that Allie was going crazy after George's death. The amount of sleep I got every night dwindled to two hours from the constant fear of the outside and from the group's insanity. I needed to get away from them, erase my tracks, and start new before the insanity would take me too. I have a feeling I'm the last person still intact.
I paced around my campsite. Where could I go?
I remember hearing Beth, who was the fifth death, saying that there was another island nearby connected by a tree bridge. Maybe that will be my escape. For now I can't trust anyone anymore. I must stay sane. I'm on my own.
DAY FIVE
Today was the day I would finally leave the camp. One other person has died since I first thought of leaving: Allie. Although I tried to forget the loss of my best friend on this island, I'm glad Allie and George finally went to a better place together. I had a feeling they would be a good couple.
First things first, I needed to find the bridge. I didn't take long before I found it.
I crossed the shady bridge as quickly as I could. I didn't care where I was going. The more distance, the better. The light of a campfire appeared, and it looked like a lot of people were there. I better get away from them before they spot me. I thought. What if they're bad people? What if they hurt me? What if--
The ground beneath me gave out, and I fell underground. A cave?
I wandered through the dimly lit cave, trying to find a way out. No luck. My body felt disoriented. I've forgotten how it felt before the world fell at [my] feet.
"Hello?" I asked, "Hello? Can you hear me?"
A small voice echoed from a few feet away, "Who are you?"
"My name's Brooklyn," I said to the little girl in front of me.
"That's a pretty name. I'm Willow," she replied.
"Well Willow, let's find a way out of here."
DAY SIX
(continued on from Willow's Day Five)
I approached the skeleton, and picked up a couple of rags from the floor. With one in each hand, I gripped the mandible and the main part of the skull, slowly trying to pry it open. After years of being in the dank cave, the skull was very much set in place and didn't want to move.
Finally, after a bit of sweat flowed, the mandible popped off and the foreign object inside soared through the air, landing on the sandy cave floor.
We got closer, staring down at the dirty, old roll of paper that has seen better days. I picked up the paper gently and dusted off the collection of sand on it. As I was inspecting the parchment, Willow bent down and grabbed another object that fell out alongside the paper.
"Oooh it's so pretty!" she exclaimed showing me the shiny jewel.
"You should keep it since you've earned it. It can be your souvenir," I said with a smile. She's too cute to be in this mess.
I turned my attention back to the paper and opened the roll. A map! Just what we need!
In my hands was a detailed map of the two islands with drawings of the cave system and other landmarks. I made a mental note to stay away from the native villages here.
"C'mon Willow, let's get out of this place," I said, holding her hand and leading her towards an exit path, "Where were you before you fell in here?"
"I was with this guy named Wyan. He seemed nice. He was gonna help me find my mom," Willow explained. I heard about him. He's part of the group I passed. Possibly their leader or something. I thought.
"I'll make sure we get to Ryan, don't worry," I replied.
"I think he would like you. You're nice and helpful," She said after we were close to the exit. He might be nice, but I'll keep the map to myself just in case.
DAY SEVEN
I squeezed Willow's hand encouragingly as we walked into the fresh air together. I could tell that our previous conversation upset her a lot. Along the way back to her camp, I gathered a few flowers and strung them together, a perfect fit for Willow's head. We walked hand in hand before I crouched down on the ground to her level soon after I finished what I was doing with the flowers.
"Hey Willow, how would you like a piggyback ride?" I asked.
She nodded her head enthusiastically, jumping onto my back.
"Now you can be the tallest princess on the island," I told her with a smile. I placed the flower crown on her head, the bright petals standing out in her curly hair. Working at a daycare really built a connection between me and children.
"And what's a princess without a crown?" I asked her as I lifted her up.
Willow laughed and touched the crown, "The flowers are pretty and they smell good."
We kept going forward until we reached a small clearing.
"Look! There's Wyan! See? Over there!" Willow exclaimed, pointing over to a small cluster of people by the mangled plane crash site.
From the sound of Willow's voice, a man, who I assume to be Ryan, looked up at us. I walked to the camp and put Willow down. She then grabbed my hand and quickly pulled me over to him, almost making me trip in the process.
Ryan spoke to another person next to him before approaching us, "Willow where were you?"
"I fell down into a cave, but it's okay. Brooklyn helped me get out, and she gave me this crown!" Willow told him.
"I'm glad you're okay. Please don't go off like that anymore," he turned to speak to me next, "Thank you for bringing her back. The name's Ryan Hounsome. I'm the leader of this camp. And you are?"
"Brooklyn White," I replied.
"Well Brooklyn, glad you could join us. We need all the help we can get if we want to survive out here."
DAY EIGHT
The new group is, well how do I put this, different. I've never been around so many people with different backgrounds before. The only people I've talked to were uptight recording artists and suburban soccer moms who always made me babysit their kids while they went to the next PTA meeting in their mini vans. But that was in the past, back at home. Home.
The word sounded foreign to me. I've been on this island for so long my old life seemed like a dream. I missed my apartment back in Miami, but I've been grateful for the people I've met here. I became closer to Willow as time went by. She's a sweet little girl that just needed some attention, someone to watch over her. I know that if anyone should leave this island, it's her.
I haven't really gotten closer to anyone else in the group yet. Ryan was organizing some type of secret meeting with his most trusted people, so there wasn't much I could do except keep Willow company.
It was one of the occasions where I was sitting alone. I looked around to see if anyone else was watching me, before pulling out the map I took from the cave into my lap. I marked the location of our camp on it with dirt. Luckily, most of the native villages were far away from us, and the cave system didn't seem to give them a way to get to us. But that's not what I was worried about. I couldn't let the map out of my sight in case I needed to escape when things go south. And trust me, it always happens.
I was so engrossed in reading the map that I failed to notice a shadow looming over me.
"What are you looking at?" A small voice asks me.
I looked up to see Willow peeking at the map, "It's just something from the cave," I said.
"Oh, okay! Can we go play together?" Se asked me with puppy dog eyes.
"Alright let's go," I replied, standing up from the tree.
We spent the next hour or so playing whatever Willow wanted to. She really made me tired from her energy. That kid never stopped.
In our time spent running around the camp, I managed to eavesdrop on Ryan's meeting. The piece of information I heard could change our lives on the island.
DAY NINE
"World War Three?" I whispered to myself after hearing what Ryan said. Did I hear him correctly? Was the world really falling apart?
I shifted my position to listen better to their conversation. I could only hear a few pieces without my cover being blown.
"...wasn't much detail...not be leaving this island..." I knew it. I knew all hell would break loose sooner or later.
I leaned closer to make out more of what was going on. Completely engrossed in the meeting, I failed to see the shadow of a figure approaching me from behind until the person grabbed my shoulder.
I jumped up, thinking that they found me spying on them, but it was only Willow, "Brooklyn! Brooklyn! There's this guy named Grant that needs your help! He looked really sad, so I told him you're really good at giving advice, but he's too shy, so you can just tell me and I'll tell him."
I walked with Willow to another area of the camp. I guess the world falling apart would have to wait.
"Okay, so what does Grant need help with?" I asked her.
"Well, I asked him if this girl named Jackie was his girlfriend, but he got all embarrassed," She replied, thinking back to when she wandered off.
"He might be afraid of his actual feelings for her. It's very hard to be in a relationship. Did he say anything else?"
"When I gave him a crown he said he couldn't be a prince for Jackie." I feel bad for the guy. He's too insecure about himself.
"I think that if he's worried about being perfect for Jackie, Jackie might feel the same way. He shouldn't let his emotions take control of everything. When the time is right I think he should gather up the courage to be that prince. I know for a fact that he's capable of having a good relationship. Tell him I believe in him." I said to Willow, hoping she would remember everything I told her.
"Grant will feel so much better! Then he and Jackie can be prince and princess like in the fairy tales, and they can live happily ever after!" She exclaimed before taking off in the direction of Grant.
"I sure hope so Willow," I said to myself, looking at her happily skipping away. At least I made some lives better on this island before my time is up.
DAY TEN
"Willow? Willow where are you?" I shouted throughout the camp.
She hadn't come back from talking to Grant, and I was starting to worry. Where could she have gone? Is she okay?
There was no sign of her in the camp, so she must've wandered off. I began to walk away from the huts, but backtracked to quickly grab a knife just in case.
"Willow? C'mon you know you shouldn't wander off this far. We need to get back to--" I paused and looked down to see a sinkhole a step ahead of me. I peered into the dimly lit area, and saw my worst nightmare come true. The sunlight shone like a spotlight on a little piece of curly hair with a flower crown on it.
"No! No! No! Willow!" I collapsed on the ground, my eyes stinging with tears.
Down in the hole was Willow's dead body.
I cried and cried for her lost life. She was like a little sister to me. Why did she have to run off?
After mourning over Willow, I stood up with my thoughts still disoriented with grief. I dizzily made my way back to the camp, but I was stopped by a man slamming my body against the bark of a tree.
"Tell me where Natalia Osipova is!" He demanded, his thick Russian accent cutting through the air.
"Why do you want her?" I asked back with fake confidence. He was holding a gun to my head, so why should I be calm?
"Stupid girl! Just tell me her location, and I might not kill you."
"You're lying. You'll kill me anyway."
He pushed me harder into the tree, "You're testing my patience, American girl."
I suddenly remembered that I still had the knife in my hand. With a quick swing, I aimed the tip of the blade at his chest and pushed. The man stumbled and pulled the trigger, the bullet grazing my shoulder and leaving a gash in my arm. My eyes followed the trail of blood to the source. I stabbed him near the heart. Why is he here?
"Does this have to do with World War Three?" I wondered to myself.
The man heard me and smirked, "Yes, but you won't have to worry. We'll kill you all soon."
And with that he took his last breath.
I dropped the knife and began to shake, "I just killed someone. Oh my god. I killed someone."
My emotions overtook my actions and before I knew it, I was on the ground. My vision soon faded as Ryan came running towards me.
DAY ELEVEN
The first thing I realized when I woke up was that I was indoors. I must have been taken by Ryan to a hut.
My head still pounded, but my vision was clearing, and I could make out my surroundings. Over by the entrance was Ryan and another man, who had the same outfit on as the man that tried to kill me. The same man I killed.
I shuddered at that thought.
Ryan seemed to notice my movement and walked over to me holding a cup of water and some pain reliever pills.
"Here. You're gonna need these," he said putting them in my hands.
I swallowed the medicine and gave a skeptical look towards the unknown man. Why was Ryan working with him? Aren't they the enemy?
As if he read my mind, Ryan motioned to the man, "We saw you stab that guy back there, which I had to say was a bad-ass move, but anyway back to the point. Out there in the rest of the world, we got World War Three, and he's helping us."
"Isn't he the enemy?" I asked.
"Well, the enemy of my enemy is my friend, and Wrennyn and Natalia are the enemy."
"Wrennyn? And Natalia?"
"They're trying to take over this camp, so we need all the help we can get. What do you say? Wanna join Team Hounsome?" What should I do? I don't really like Ryan, but what would happen to me if I go against him? Ihave to see Wrennyn's side of this. A change in leadership doesn't sound so bad. I could at least pretend to side with him.
I extended my hand out to meet him, "Alright. I'll join your team." Ryan, you better watch your back. You never know who could be a spy.
DAY TWELVE
I was wandering on my own. The meeting I had with Ryan was etched in my memory. The small gun he handed me felt cold against the skin under my shirt. I didn't know what else to do. I couldn't just refuse it, but I don't want it. I can't kill someone again.
My thoughts stopped as I heard some noise a few feet away from me. I peered around some trees to see Ryan walking back from wherever he ventured to. He soon spotted me and jogged over to be next to me, "Hey Brooklyn, I was thinking about ways to get more people to join our side."
"Okay, what do you have in mind?" I replied, hoping everything would end up being civilized with no more bloodshed.
"We could go around and expose Wrennyn and Natalia for who they are and convince the other survivors we're the way to go, and maybe after that we could--"
The sound of a distant gunshot stopped the conversation.It wasn't close enough to affect us, but it sounded like it was on this island. We looked at each other and ran in the direction of the noise. The thunder of an incoming storm loomed over us, giving the entire island a dark aura. We were reaching the end of the island and thought that our trip was for nothing, until we saw the shadow of a body. Getting closer I saw that it was a woman, more specifically, Natalia. I gasped at the scene in front of us. Blood pooled out from her chest, and a sword laid next to her corpse.
"Well, I guess one half of the problem is fixed," Ryan said, trying to make light of the situation.
I hit his shoulder in a "really?" sort of fashion before walking closer. I spotted some unknown people nearby who have also noticed me.
They approached Ryan and I, and Ryan decided to act first,"We mean no harm. My name is Ryan Hounsome. This is Brooklyn White. We heard the gunshot and came to see what happened."
One of the strangers spoke up, "Oh her? Another man stabbed her. She held a gun to his head and all that. he seemed pretty upset about it. I think he was her lover."
"Do you know who the man is?"
"It's something like a Will--no--R--no--Wren--"
"--nyn?"
"Yeah that's the guy! He's in here with Gutaale. We'll take you to him."
Ryan leaned over to whisper in my ear, "Maybe we can take him out too."
"No! Killing is never the answer. Now, let's just wait and see what he has to say about all this, okay?" I replied, acting a little bit like a mother even though he's twice my age. What was with men and violence? I hope Wrennyn would be cooperative.
DAY THIRTEEN
"Ryan? Ryan? Where are you?" I asked while looking around in circles. He was nowhere to be found. I should've known that bastard would leave me alone. He's probably off doing God knows what with Wrennyn and that damn bromance they have going. What was that saying? Bros before--
"Wrennyn, you're gonna have company!" I heard Ryan shout in the distance. Oh now what?
Almost immediately after, an explosion of gunfire mixed with the booming thunder of the storm. I ran for cover, trying to avoid the massive wall of bullets flying in every direction. A bullet nearly made contact with my head, but I found a hiding spot before I could meet my end. I peeked out from my safe haven and saw body after body fall to the ground, some of them Russians, some Pirates.
"What the hell?" I said to myself.
I heard the cocking of a gun next to my ear. I turned my head to meet the barrel of a pistol staring me in the face with a smug Russian man at the other end.
A situation like this reminded me of the times I would talk with my dad about fight or flight.
"Now Brook, where's the most important place to shoot someone?" My dad asked me during a shooting practice. "Their head?" I replied hesitantly, aiming my gun to line up with the practice dummy's skull. "No honey, even more than that." "Heart?" "Nope. Their manhood."
Before he had time to blink, I moved the loaded gun in my hand down and fired.
I had to get out of there fast. In a seconds I was soaking wet from the pouring rain. Blood pooled wherever I stepped. I needed to find Ryan or Wrennyn before they kill each other. I couldn't believe I had to clean up their mess. I mean, they started all this, and now I'm here covered in blood.
I felt no remorse anymore. I shot anyone in my way. To be completely honest, I was pissed.
Among the falling bodies and thick rain, I spotted Ryan and Wrennyn ready to stab each other with swords
"Damn idiots," I muttered to myself, disappointed in the both of them.
They went for their attacks. I wish could've stopped them myself, but I had my own ass to save. Luckily, they stopped before Wrennyn's throat would become a spewing fountain of blood.
The two ran off into the woods leaving me alone in the middle of the battlefield.
When I get back, Tweedle Dumb and Tweedle Dumber better protect themselves if they want to have kids.
DAY FOURTEEN
I've been walking for a few minutes, making sure I had a loaded weapon with me just in case. I was still furious at Ryan and Wrennyn for ditching me back at the pirates' camp. I swore I'd have a heart attack if I saw them do anything stupid again, which meant I probably didn't have a lot of time to live left. I mean, I wasn't some damsel in distress, but that didn't mean they could just skip off into the sunset together. I'm through with their damn bromance. I wouldn't be surprised if someone came up with a ship name for them.
In my boredom of walking alone, I thought back to my previous self conversation about ship names. What could be a good ship name for them? Ryannyn? Wrenyan? Founsome? Houster?
I slapped my head to come back to my senses, "C'mon Brook what are you, thirteen? Shipping, really? You're an adult!" God, what has this island been doing to me?
(skipping to after the events of day thirteen wrap up)
I stood up and winced, noticing a gash in my right arm from when I was pushed over. I ripped a piece of my sleeve off and used it as a makeshift bandage to stop the bleeding. I checked around the rest of my body for any other injuries. Thankfully, nothing else happened to me except for the fact that my arm bled through the fabric of my pants and made me look like mother nature paid me a visit.
"Aw great."
My journey back to camp wasn't as easy I hoped it would be. I ended up using a lot of my ammunition on those Russian perverts. No one stares at my ass and gets away with it.
I finally made it back to the huts. Now all I need to do is find the two idiots who started this mess.
"Ryan? Wrennyn? You guys here?" I said raising my voice loud enough for them to hear but not for enemies to find me.
"Where in world could they be? They better have not left this place," I paused in realization, "And they're not here. Great just great. Well, I won't be saying nice things at their funerals."
I heard the sounds of gunfire and explosives in the distance.
I sighed, "This'll never end will it?" Wait. If I could hear it all the way from here? How come no one else can? Why wasn't anyone else in the camp concerned? Either they don't care if they could light up like the Fourth of July or they're as deaf as senior citizens.
If there's one thing I've learned from being stuck on here, it's that this island sure is one crazy person away from getting its own reality show.
DAY FIFTEEN
I sighed in frustration, "What to do, what to do?"
I couldn't go back into the fight. That would be pointless for me unless I wanted to become a martyr, which let's face it, could always be a plan B for me. But thankfully, I wasn't as dumb as those stereotypes put me out to be, and my plan B already came in pill form.
I paced in a small circle near the hut I claimed as my own. It wasn't much, with only a few necessities to keep myself alive. Oh how I wish I was back in my apartment in Miami where I could stare at my poster collection of Harry Styles--no matter how homeless he may look--without being judged by anyone, except for my weird ass neighbor Mrs. Hummenburger. I wonder how she's doing. Hopefully she found someone on that gluten free dating website, whoever it may be it's a lot better than the previous dating site she was on, 420singles.com.
"God I miss that place," I said to myself.
After wasting my time reminiscing for what felt like forever, I decided to go exploring around the forest. Dora don't fail me now.
I'm pretty sure I got lost somewhere along the way, since I swore I passed the same tree three times. I really hope I didn't run into another Russian or even worse, the two idiots that left me alone. I wasn't ready to meet up with them yet, not when I didn't come up with a clever comeback. C'mon, I need some type of banter to keep me going. It's what makes me likable.
The sound of a small female voice stopped me in my tracks, "What do I do now?" Oh shit, someone found me, and just when I was enjoying a nice stroll.
I turned around and placed my hand at my hip right where I hid my gun. A girl can't be too vulnerable.
She continued to close the space between us, asking me something directly, "Who are you and who are you looking for?" Hm, she seemed familiar. Where have I seen her before?
"My name's Brooklyn White, and I'm not really looking for anyone. I was just taking a walk from the camp not too far from here," I replied honestly. Oh my god, where have I seen her?
"Then you must know where Hounsome is."
"Ha, I wish. That bastard ditched me a while ago to go party with Wrennyn."
She looked like she was deep in thought before continuing the conversation, "What about Grant Smith? Do you know about him?" "Sorry, I don't know, but I could help you look for him."
"Oh no that's okay. I'm sure he's just out wandering," she replied a little too quickly. I could tell she didn't trust me a whole lot. Oh wait...
"She's the girl that has the hots for that Grant guy!"
"Huh?" Shit did I say that out loud?
"Um, nothing, nothing. Well, it was nice talking to you..."
"Jackie."
"...Jackie, but I've gotta run. I have to find the bromance before they end up either killing each other or going off to start their own family together."
"Bromance? Who's--"
"It's an inside joke," I began to jog away from her, "Aloha!"
I felt bad for leaving her there, but I just though about all the things that could end up happening to Thing One and Thing Two aka the Founster bromance. I better hope things didn't escalate to...
I shuddered, "I'm going crazy. I'm definitely going crazy. Dammit Brook, stop thinking about relationships
just because the only relationship you've been in was a fling with your second cousin." I better pull myself together, I'm running out of funny things to say, and it's only getting worse.
DAY SIXTEEN
"Okay, so if I were a middle aged man and a twenty some year old guy, where would I go?" I wondered to myself, venturing deeper into the forest.
I decided to ditch the plan of waiting for someone to come and tell me what the hell's happening here and took matters into my own hands. I'm a strong, independent woman who don't need no man to drag me down. I was going to find out what's going on with this goddamn island if it even killed me. And trust me, if I died, I know just the people I'd drag down to my grave with me.
"No Brook, you gotta think of it this way. If you were a middle aged man going through a midlife crisis, what would you do?" I corrected myself.
"Hm, a car? No. A new house? No. A tattoo?" I shuddered, "I don't even want to know. Viagra? Probably."
I sighed in frustration, "This is getting me nowhere." If you would actually think for yourself for once and not depend on the lives of useless men you might get somewhere.
"Great, now I'm arguing with myself. What's next, I'm going to hallucinate?" I don't know, maybe if you take drugs. I wouldn't go by the west side if I were you. Those natives put the cannabis in cannibal.
"I'm gonna hit them up if I keep talking to myself like this. And why do I sound Russian in my head?" Because it's not you you're talking to, it's me.
I laughed, "Thanks, but that's not helping the nut case over here," I pointed to myself. No, you idiot. It's me, Natalia. Man, I thought you said you were smart.
"Natalia? Aren't you dead? What, still trying to get at it with Wrennyn? I mean, I know you had a baby making session and all that, but...oh my god! Were you pregnant? I knew it! You're haunting him because he wouldn't pay child support!" What? No, no! We didn't, I mean it's true we did...it, but I wasn't pregnant. God what made you think of that? Can we just get back to the point?
"Right, right. Sorry. I think I'm going through shock right now."
Natalia's ghost was about to speak, but I cut her off, "This isn't going to be like the Sixth Sense is it? Because I don't want to keep seeing a bunch of dead people, especially those Russian agents. It was bad enough they wanted to grope me when they were living." I can assure you, you won't be seeing anyone. But please, I'm starting to regret talking to you, so let's get back to why I'm here. I'm trying to find Wrennyn.
"I was right!" And I'm helping you save everyone too. See, Russians can be nice. We're not all about vodka and Putin memes.
"Alright, I'll go along with this. Where to?" Don't ask me, I'm just a voice.
"Well then, onward Casper!" Don't call me that.
I explored further into the thick forest with the nagging ghost of Natalia traveling with me. I wish I had a mute button. I mean, c'mon, I made one mistake, and now she won't let me live it down.
Anyway, I thought this whole trip was a lost cause until I stumbled upon a small cave, and I literally mean stumbled. Me and my two left feet managed to trip on air and land me face first on the cave wall. Nice going twinkle toes.
"Shut up."
I brushed the dirt off of me and used the cave wall as a support to stand up.
"Hm, that's weird," I muttered.
The wall didn't feel like rock, it felt like metal, like a door. My suspicions were correct as I found a door handle and turned it. Behind the thick piece of metal was a large set of computers, all displaying statistics of people inhabiting this island. My name flashed across one screen with details of my age, appearance, and personality.
"Well this isn't a Tinder profile."
I snooped around some more and found out that someone had been watching us this entire time. All of our movements and our conversations were broadcasted for some snobby upper class gamblers for their entertainment. That means they saw Wrennyn and I...
"Think of it this way. If they release it, you'll probably make more money from that sex tape than Kim Kardashian ever did."
Natalia sighed loudly, What did I get myself into?
DAY SEVENTEEN
"Hm, let's see here. The only screens that seemed online were mine, Ryan's, Wrennyn's, Grant's, Adrianna's, Ember's (whoever she is), and Jackie's," I counted the brightly lit computer screens out loud. Are we all that's left? I thought.
I carefully watched everyone's profiles, my eyes locking in on a particular screen. Static erupted over Jackie's profile, distorting her image and heart rate. The jagged lines of the heart monitor slowly flattened until they hit zero. The minute it dropped completely, large letters appeared on the screen. DECEASED.
Her computer went blank soon after. How unfortunate. I kinda liked her, Natalia's voice broke through the silence.
"I thought you couldn't feel anything," I sarcastically replied. I'm Russian, not a robot.
"Ha, same thing." Shut up you stupid American.
"If I'm so stupid, how am I still alive?" Sheer luck.
"Thanks. It's great to know someone believes in me."
I continued to search through everyone's information. Man, I was freaking myself out. I felt like a creep looking through everything. Thank god no one was underage...
I looked through Grant's profile, "Damn he's seventeen." Upset about Grant are we? Huh, I didn't spike you as a cougar.
"I'm twenty one!" That's what they call plastic surgery.
"I'm about done with you. Where's the door to hell? I'll gladly drag you there myself." Hate me or not, I'm staying. I won't leave without finding Wrennyn. Now, I don't know about you, but I'm getting a bad feeling about this place. We better get out of here.
"You don't have to tell me twice."
Taking Natalia's words of advice, I quickly escaped the cave and made sure to get far away from it. I stopped to catch my breath on the beach, looking back in the direction of the cave. Our suspicions of the area were correct. A massive cloud of smoke billowed over the treetops, screams mixed with gunfire echoed throughout the island. That could be one hell of a wake up call.
Natalia sighed in reminiscence, Sounds like my parents' wedding. "I don't even wanna know."
I waited in silence until all became eerily still. It was over...for now. I took a deep breath to calm myself down and sat in the sand. The air became awkward, so I tried to strike up a conversation with Natalia, "Um...so...what will you do once we find Wrennyn?" Well...
"Are you sure you're not pregnant?" No, I'm sure or I think I'm sure.
"Aha! So there's still a chance!" Goddamn you're stubborn.
"Go get a test and find out! Ghosts still have to take a leak right?" I don't even know if I can be pregnant! I'm dead!
"Being dead didn't stop Bruce Willis from doing his job." That's a movie! You know what? Why don't I call up Maury and see if Wrennyn's the father? Or go to Planned Parenthood and dodge protesters?
"Don't get snippy with me. I'm trying to help. Why don't you just ask God? No one knows your information better than him, well except for the NSA." Just shut up, please. I'll go. Have a nice time. Don't get killed.
"Have a nice time finding out who your baby daddy is."
Well, now it was just me, myself, and I, and frankly, I was getting tired of hanging around myself.
I better find someone soon.
DAY EIGHTEEN
I pondered over what should I do next. There wasn't much left that I could do exactly, with everyone almost dead and Natalia gone. Hm, if I remember correctly, there are six of us left. Ryan and Wrennyn are probably off making side glances at each other's crotches. I mean, if they're alone it's bound to happen. And that Ember girl doesn't seem too far out of reach, but I'm not taking any chances with her; I've watched Orange is the New Black. Well, that only leaves Grant and Adrianna. I wonder where they are. Hopefully not doing what I think they're doing. Adrianna shouldn't be a rebound hookup, and we don't want another daddy issue. I've already got some of my own.
I sighed and brushed the sand off my clothes, "Let's go make some new friends, Brook."
The walk back to the location of the crash took less time than I thought. Pretty soon I was shouting around for the pair, but heard no reply. That's strange. I thought they were here.
I approached a section of trees to take a break from my search. Five minutes of walking really takes a toll on you. Man I shouldn't have skipped leg day.
The trees parted and gave me a clear look at the ground, and to my surprise, I saw Grant laying on top of Adrianna. Sadly it wasn't because Grant got lucky.
I grimaced, "That's unfortunate." What am I supposed to do now?
"I don't have a lot of options." Oh, finally deciding on who to settle down with? It's about time, too. I don't want to be the only one who deals with your nagging.
"Natalia, you're back. So, how was it? Finally letting me be the godmother?" Never in a million years would I trust you like that, but for your information, I never did it.
"What? Then what did you do up there? Drink away your troubles?" I wish. She paused before continuing, I found out something about this place. It's all a game.
"We pretty much knew that for a while now. Wow, you're slow." I wasn't finished! Up there in heaven, there's a council that decides our fate. Our lives, our words, our actions, our decisions, it's all controlled by them.
"Are you sure you're not confusing this with school?" Yeah, I'm sure, but back to the point. As long as you keep them entertained, you'll survive.
"They're treating us like some roadside attraction. They better not be making bets or anything." Oh, they are. I heard your price is a bit low though, maybe $10-15 less than Hounsome.
"What? How am I worth less than that jackass? Is that room filled with single moms?" Quite the opposite. Thousand year old men.
"Oh god that's perverted. You know what, I'm okay with being worth less," I shuddered at the thought of creepy old men constantly watching me.
I shoved the chilling thoughts out of my head, "So, how do I stay in the game then?" They seem to like your humor, so keep up with that, but don't go too crazy. Try to keep it PG.
"Ha, already crossed that line a while ago." Then, don't be offensive.
"Alright, alright. I'll try."
A bright light flashed across the cloudless sky. My eyes followed the streak as something materialized overhead. The light transformed into the figure of a man, who had the look of an official of some sort.
"Hello island survivors, my name is Council President Stone, the head game maker if you wish to call me that. Under normal circumstances I would not have revealed my existence until only one of you remained, but seeing as that a certain nosy contestant knows the truth, I had no choice. There are four of you left. Although I know this message will only be heard by the two females of the island, I still wish to say that your lives are not yours to live. The minute you stepped on that airplane, your destinies were sold over to the Council. With that being said, don't fret. As long as we deem you interesting, you will remain living. Good luck humans, and may the odds be ever in your favor."
A voice from behind the council president spoke up, "Uh sir, I don't think you can say that. We don't have enough money in the budget to pay for copyright."
"Shh, whatever Hollywood doesn't know won't hurt them. How do you think we collected all those souls from drug overdose so easily?"
"Sir, you're still on the air."
"Ah, yes. Still on. Almost forgot," he cleared his throat, "Well, we'll all be looking forward to your performances. Don't disappoint us. Let the first annual Island Games continue!"
"Isn't that still..."
The image disappeared in a puff of smoke.
I better step it up if I want to stay alive.
DAY NINETEEN
Natalia left me some time ago to further investigate the so called "Council" up in the sky. If only I could snoop around with her, but alas, I'm stuck here on this damn island with two other idiots frolicking in the limelight of their bromance. I swear to God once I see them again, they won't be able to have children.
I wouldn't find it hard to believe if they were off playing battleship or trying to take over some goddamn territory or something. What does Wrennyn even see in Ryan anyway? I didn't spike him as an egotistical, dumbass, control freak kind of guy, but then again, he was PUTIN it in Natalia that one night. I'm not knocking on Natalia though, she has helped me stay alive for the past few days.
"Despite being a pain in my as--" the sound of a voice clearing prompted me to change the rest of my sentence, "asthma. Yeah, hey...Natalia. I was just talking about my asthma, no-nothing about you." You're a worse liar than Pinocchio. Good thing your pointy nose doesn't grow or else you'd be looking like the Wicked Witch of the West...not like you're that far off anyway.
"What's got you in a bitchy mood today? Pregnancy test came back positive?" Ha ha, oh how I missed your scratchy man voice. I see you're back to smoking six packs a day now. And I see that you're clothes are still...that. Why don't you slip into something more comfortable, like a coma. I'll help you with that.
"So the only reason you came back was to roast me? Why don't we invite Wrennyn or Ryan while we're at it? I have plenty of things to say about them." That's why I came back.
"So we are having a roast session then?" No, no. Just save the insults for your mixtape.
"I'm not going to answer that. Anyway, what were you saying about those jackasses that ditched me?"
She replied in a singsong voice, Wow, someone's got a grudge.
"Shut up. Just tell me." Okay, so while I was up on Seventh Heaven I managed to find the place where they're stalking Ryan and Wrennyn. Very nice place actually, dark, small, and filled with old men. But that's beside the point. I found out their location and went to town watching their...how should I put this...lovely diplomatic plans. Not gonna lie, but you're right about the idiot part. All they do is shoot first, ask for more weapons later. I don't understand how all that violence is appealing to the Council with them being heavenly beings and all. And I've realized something else too. Ryan is almost as conceited as Kanye West, maybe even more. Thank God he's not running for president next election, I swear everyday would be dedicated to his six pack.
"What you're saying is that they're basically in an alliance and they're trying to get rid of me?" Not exactly, but yes, I think that's their ultimate goal.
"Those backstabbing bastards! Where are they? Let me at 'em! I'll show them a hell worse than a woman PMSing."
A beeping sound came from the treetops with a small capsule gliding down. The cool, metal container fell into my hands and popped open to reveal two objects. First, was a note from whoever sent me the package.
Brooklyn, Congrats on making top three! We're rooting for you. Here's a little something to help you on your quest for the Founster bromance as you previously called it. Enjoy! - The Council P.S. We know your little Russian groupie spies on us. The KGB's training process is so bad it could be renamed the CIA.
Looks like someone's got an admirer. Seems like those old guys do have a soft spot for women after all, Natalia joked.
I ignored her comment and grabbed the second object in the capsule. I wrapped my fingers around the mystery thing and pulled it into the sunlight. In my hand was a small gun filled with five poison darts.
"What the hell is with angels and violence? I'm not gonna use this at all." Well, you did want to get revenge on them didn't you? Here's your chance.
"I don't want to kill them!" Hey either you kill them or they kill you. Deal with it. I had to. Don't you think I regret attacking Wrennyn everyday? Personally, I think you should go over there and knock some common sense into them.
"You know what, I'll go, but I won't murder anybody...at least, not unless I have to. Foster, Hounsome, you won't be able to get rid of me that easily."
---
A message to the class: I know a battle between Wrennyn and Ryan would be cool and all, but don't let their dictatorship influence your decision. I think a final confrontation between Brook and one of the guys would be the perfect ending to the game.
A message to the bromance: I'm still in this game, and I won't let you kick me out of it just because you're both allies. I personally like both of your storylines, but the same old shootout sequences with only adding a new battle each day gets monotonous after a while. Just to let you know that I've been trying to meet up with you guys for the past few entries, but I've always had no luck, and after today's voting, we'll all finally get the interaction I've been trying to write for a while now. Good luck to you both.
A message to Brooklyn: Our shootouts may be repetitive, but at least we added action to our days. Without that, it would have been a documentary. So what have you done? Hunger Games. Yawn. We abandoned you because we wanted to have an interesting tie-in without posing a threat to others. Haven't you heard bros before hoes? And you always copied what Wrennyn and I did, with the talking to a dead person, going into a secret base after we were there, and a second Russian attacked you. And what dictatorship? Don't you remember everyone thought I would be evil, and it was quite the opposite? Don't you remember the Speech I wrote a while ago? People who helped me stayed around for the longest time. Wrennyn and I are the Original Gangstas of Survive, it's time we settle what we started. And there is no such thing as luck. Only the Force. <3 Lt. Gen. Ryan Hounsome
A reply to Ryan: Being interesting is not 100% about how much "action" you put into your story. Being interesting means that you rope in your audience and keep them entertained for the duration of your entry, which is what I have done just as well as you have. And I'm not the only one who has been using movie references in survive. I was told that Wrennyn is based off of a movie, and I've seen plenty of references made by you in the pat, so none of us are innocent. Yeah I've heard of bros before hoes I've mentioned it in my day thirteen. I'm not saying that you're evil either. Maybe dictatorship was the wrong word to use, but by the looks of your storyline, you're mostly preoccupied with saving yourself before anyone else. By the way, I only "copied" your story because I was trying to have a character interaction with you guys. That's how a shared story works anyway. the plots have to fit, so I did just that. I couldn't just randomly add you in my story out of the blue like it was the next episode of a sitcom. Who gave you the right to say you and Wrennyn are the "original gangstas" anyway? We're all original since we've been here from the beginning. Are you trying to say I'm a fraud, a copy of survive? Give me the receipts for that. I can assure you that I'm completely original. It's a literary strategy to allude to other works or people, not just a ploy to copy. While you and Wrennyn are playing terminator over there, I'm making my story more relatable to the class. Thanks for being a worthy adversary. I wish you the best, i truly do. Congrats on making it this far :)
To Ryan : bros before hoes? Wrennyn didn't follow that, did he? And Brooklyn is much better-Natalia Osipova
To Natalia: Be quiet and stay dead, Russian STD. To Brooklyn: How is Family Guy's Death, heavenly council, and Hunger Games relateable? This is war. Kill off Wrennyn, and we'll fight. (Insert Jesse Pinkman Bitch!) But in all seriousness, all of you guys and girls did a great job with the Survive game...
To Brooklyn: I think the reason you're winning is because you don't have as much action and your character is hilarious. I love the Hunger Games reference. Good luck. - Natalia Osipova
To ALL : Brooklyn's independent survival till this day defeats Ryan's and Wrennyn's. - Anonymous Classmate
DAY TWENTY
Disclaimer: The events of my Day 20 will be decided by you, the class. At each designated time in my entry, there will be two choices. Whichever one you choose directs my character in a certain direction, giving you--the council--the ultimate decision on Brooklyn's last day.
(Starting from the events of the Day 19 Wrap Up)
"Where did you say they were again?" I asked breathily, the wind knocked out of me from running across the island. They're on a ship off the shore of the cave we went to a while ago, Natalia replied, I should start calling you Dory from now on from your short term memory. "Oh shut it you piece of wind." Piece of wind? Is that all you could come up with? "I'm tired, okay," I pointed into the distance, "I think I see something over there. It might be them." Nope. That's a tree.
"It's not, trust me. Stop trying to mess wi--" My body hit a hard object and rendered me unsteady for a few moments. See? Told you.
I rubbed my head, trying to ease the sharp pain, "Ugh, I'm about done with this goddamn island and it's goddamn forests and it's goddamn...everything." Your vocabulary has gotten better from being stuck on here. Using 'goddamn' in almost every sentence, well done. Your descriptions are goddamn amazing.
"Thanks for the English lesson Professor. Wow, can't wait to get my degree." The only degree you'll be getting is first degree burns.
"In the mood for another bitch fest? You know, I'm not quite done from our last one."
She scoffed, You never even started.
"That's because--" I stopped as I heard a rumbling in the distance. Because what? Too busy with your--
"Shh. Could you be quiet for at least one minute? I swear it's like your mouth starts driving before your brain gets in the car. Anyway, do you hear that noise?" Yeah, it sounds like the noise you'll be making after I'm through with you.
"Remind me not to sleep ever again." Oh you won't be sleeping.
"Stop creeping me out. God, you could star in the next Paranormal Activity." Who's saying we're not living in it now?
"We have more important things to talk about than this!" Oh true, I forgot. We need to talk about your unhealthy obsession with homosexual hookups.
"It's not an obsession! And I'm not even talking about hookups!" The first step to solving your problem is identifying it. Any relationship experiences you would like to share?
"I could ask the same thing for you. That KGB organization of yours must stand for Keep Getting Babies." Oh keep on talking, maybe someday something intelligent will come out. Now don't evade the question.
"There's nothing for you to know." I may love to go shopping, but I don't buy your bullshit.
"I'm done with you. I'm going to find out whatever that sound is. Follow me, don't follow me, I don't care."
I began the rest of my trip to figure out what was happening at the other end of the island. I knew that the source would lead back to the two sons of bitches that want to get rid of me. My guess turned out to be correct, once I saw Ryan looking up at some helicopter that just so happened to be hovering over the island. I glanced at the weapon in my hand and back up at my surroundings. Would I even need it?
Choice 1: Drop the weapon? or Keep it?
Drop the Weapon:
"I can't have this with me. I've got a bad feeling about it. I don't want to be a killer," I told myself as I threw the gun onto the dirt, watching it crack as it hit the ground. Wow, bad quality. Must've been made in China.
I continued running towards the other end of the island until I reached a set of trees separating me from Ryan and Wrennyn. Well, just Ryan for now. I couldn't see any sign of his partner in crime anywhere. He must've signed the divorce papers finally. Oh they divorced alright.
I watched as the limp, and definitely dead body of Wrennyn was taken away to some place unknown.
"Hey now Natalia and Wrennyn can have that round two." What makes you say we only did it once? The voice of Natalia replied with a smug tone.
"Now I understand how you got the nickname 'Russian STD.'"
Before I could give her time to reply, me being the blonde I am had to trip yet again on part of the brush on the island floor, causing me to loudly yell, "Shit!" on my way down.
That got Ryan's attention.
His head swiveled over to face me, a smirk appearing at the sight of me, "Hey Brooklyn! Long time no see! Looks like it's just us two now!"
I had no choice but to lessen the distance between us until the only thing separating us was the bridge to the ship. Ryan took the opportunity to motion or me to come on board, but I refused at first. Who knew what kind of stuff he had on that ship that could mean the end of me? I kept shaking my head until he shrugged and joined me down on the beach.
"Well, I never thought I'd see you again," Ryan stated, noticing that I was unarmed.
"Same here," I replied carefully.
"But I will admit, I'll miss the sweet escape I had from your constant nagging when we paired up. Best decision of my life to abandon you."
"Like frolicking off away with your boyfriend was any better. You ended up stabbing him in the back anyway."
"In the chest, actually. With this knife," he spun the blade in between his hands tauntingly, "You'll get to know this baby pretty soon, too."
"What happened to saving people and making sure we all get out of here?"
"Eh, people change. I realized that all y'all are crazy, so I did what I had to do. I did try to save other survivors, but they all died before I got to them. Shame."
"That's a heartless thing to say. What is it made of stone?"
"No, but my extremely chiseled features are."
"Oh how I missed your vanity."
"Thanks, I love me, too. But sorry Brook, this is where you say adios."
He took a step forward and got his weapon ready. In a matter of seconds, he was after me, pursuing me as I dodged his attacks. Man, why did I drop the gun?
"I wish I had some help," I pleaded to the unknown, hoping for something to give me a leg up on Ryan.
Choice 2: Natalia to the rescue? or Bad luck Hounsome?
Natalia to the Rescue: Ugh, the only time you're nice is when you need help, Natalia groaned.
"Just please? Don't you hate the guy?" Alright, alright I'll help. I don't know how, but I will.
I continued to avoid the combination of the knife and Ryan's punches, waiting for Natalia to do something. I had a feeling this would be a lost cause until Ryan magically flew backwards and lost his grip on his blade. I'm not gonna question how I managed to do that, but you're welcome.
"Damn, I'd give you a solid nine for distance." A nine? C'mon that's a ten for sure.
"You could've done better on the execution." You want me to throw you with him? I'll gladly do it.
"Love you too."
END
Back Luck Hounsome:
My prayers have been answered to some extent. For some strange reason, the seemingly endless flow of attacks abruptly stopped. Next thing I knew, Ryan was down face first on the ground, his knife gone with the wind.
"Nice going twinkle toes," I laughed as he spit some sand out of his mouth.
"Don't pretend I didn't see you trip over yourself countless times," he replied.
I noticed the grains of sand stuck to various parts of his face, "You got a little," I motioned to his face, "everywhere."
He rubbed his face, "You can call me sandy cheeks."
"Your jokes are almost as bad as Natalia's." Don't throw me under the bus!
"Natalia? Isn't she dead?" Ryan asked me. Ooh, busted. That's it. Pack your bags. You're getting a one way ticket to crazy town.
"Shut up, I'm in a bad situation here," I said to Natalia.
"Why are you talking to yourself?" Ryan asked. Try getting out of this one.
END
Keep the Weapon:
"Maybe just in case," I said sliding the gun into my back pocket.
I continued running towards the other end of the island until I reached a set of trees separating me from Ryan and Wrennyn. Well, just Ryan for now. I couldn't see any sign of his partner in crime anywhere. He must've signed the divorce papers finally. Oh they divorced alright.
I watched as the limp, and definitely dead body of Wrennyn was taken away to some place unknown.
"Hey now Natalia and Wrennyn can have that round two." What makes you say we only did it once? The voice of Natalia replied with a smug tone.
"Now I understand how you got the nickname 'Russian STD.'"
Before I could give her time to reply, me being the blonde I am had to trip yet again on part of the brush on the island floor, causing me to loudly yell, "Shit!" on my way down.
That got Ryan's attention.
His head swiveled over to face me, a smirk appearing at the sight of me, "Hey Brooklyn! Long time no see! Looks like it's just us two now!"
I had no choice but to lessen the distance between us until the only thing separating us was the bridge to the ship. Ryan took the opportunity to motion or me to come on board, but I refused at first. Who knew what kind of stuff he had on that ship that could mean the end of me?
I kept shaking my head until he shrugged and joined me down on the beach.
"Well, I never thought I'd see you again," Ryan stated, noticing that I kept one hand close to my pocket.
"Same here," I replied carefully.
"But I will admit, I'll miss the sweet escape I had from your constant nagging when we paired up. Best decision of my life to abandon you."
"Like frolicking off away with your boyfriend was any better. You ended up stabbing him in the back anyway."
"In the chest, actually. With this knife," he spun the blade in between his hands tauntingly, "You'll get to know this baby pretty soon, too."
"What happened to saving people and making sure we all get out of here?"
"Eh, people change. I realized that all y'all are crazy, so I did what I had to do. I did try to save other survivors, but they all died before I got to them. Shame."
"That's a heartless thing to say. What is it made of stone?"
"No, but my extremely chiseled features are."
"Oh how I missed your vanity."
"Thanks, I love me, too. But sorry Brook, this is where you say adios."
"Don't be so quick to say that," I pulled out the gun from my pants.
"Ooh a little itty bitty gun. Like that's gonna stop me."
"Wanna bet?"
Choice 2: Shoot? or Don't shoot?
Shoot:
"Go ahead. You don't have to guts to."
I aimed the barrel of the small weapon to face Ryan's chest. He looked back at me with a sly grin, banking on my weakness. To put on more of a show, I hesitated and slowly lowered the gun as if I had chosen not to shoot.
"See? I knew you couldn't do it."
"Think again bitch," I quickly aimed my weapon back at his chest and fired, "Bullseye!"
The dart landed square in his chest, knocking him over.
I walked over to him and whispered in his ear, "Who's Katniss now?" Not you. You didn't even have a bow.
"Natalia this doesn't involve you." It does now.
END
Don't Shoot:
"Go ahead. You don't have to guts to."
I aimed the barrel of the small weapon to face Ryan's chest. He looked back at me with a sly grin, banking on my weakness. Unfortunately, he was right. I couldn't shoot him. I promised myself not to kill.
"I knew it. You don't have the guts."
"Maybe so, but I can do this."
Improvising, I threw the gun straight at his face, hoping it would hit my target. Hearing a loud thunk and a few curse words was my confirmation. Throwing? That the best you've got?
"I panicked!" Well nice going there Miss Olympics, you gave him a concussion.
Full Name: Brooklyn "Brook" White
From (Hometown): Syracuse, New York
Gender: Female
Ethnicity: Caucasian
Traits (Appearance): Blonde Hair, 5'5", slightly small stature, innocent and weak persona, 21 years old
Reason for coming on the plane: Taking a vacation to clear her mind
Brief History (Criminal record, past): Her mom died in a house fire when she was 12 years old (believed to be not accidental) while her father was overseas with the army. She lived in a protective household with limited access to the outside world for most of her childhood after that incident. Her free time was spent learning how to defend and save herself from danger. She had a rough relationship with her dad during her teenage years and decided to move out to Florida at eighteen to pursue a music career.
Anything else: She produced an EP a year after she moved, but the sales were too low for her to make enough money. To pay her rent, she worked at a daycare in between studio days.
DAY ONE
"Dad I'm fine on my own, I've been fine on my own" I argued, "I'm making a good living.""But if you would join the military like I've asked you to, you would be better off than living in a dingy apartment in Miami," My father shouted.
"I don't want to be part of your military legacy dad. I can make my own path."
"And continuing to fail at getting music gigs is helping?"
"I'm getting better. If you would just--" I was cut off by loud rumbles of thunder.
"Brook honey what's going on?" Dad questioned with a worried tone of voice.
I kept the phone to my ear with a shaky hand, but the diminishing connection only let bits and pieces of the emergency through. The sounds of static, the speakers, and my voice mixed together in a frantic mess.
"Dad? Dad--we advise that all passengers--shhh--remain seated--shhh--Dad please help--the captain is making sure--we're gonna crash--shhh."
"Brooklyn? Brook stay on the phone!" My father yelled over the noise.
Nobody was there to hear it.
Disorientation was all I could feel as my eyes opened after what felt like an eternity. A blur of greens and blues passed through my field of vision, making me feel sick to my stomach. I tried to shake away the fog from my head and the ringing from my ears. I needed to find somewhere safe, somewhere with other survivors. I spent a great amount of time searching for any other sign of life, not getting very far with my possible concussion. Sitting down at the base of a nearby tree, I paused to catch my breath. The initial shock of the crash still left me unable to function at my normal capacity.
My spirits grew as another person appeared in the distance. Could it be someone from the crash? My celebration was short lived, however, when that stranger began to run towards me.
DAY TWO
My heart beat faster and faster as the stranger ran towards me. This is it. It's fight or flight and the person was too close to do the latter. I stood up, ready to defend my own life. The distance between us got smaller and smaller until the stranger slowed to a walk a few feet away from me. I was prepared for the worst, but to my surprise, the stranger only calmly grabbed my hand and directed me away from the tree. I was being led to a camp, as I was told, of other crash survivors.For the first time since I've moved away from my family, I felt like I was a part of something. The group was cooperative and willing to help each other out. Some nights, we would hang out by the fire, forgetting the struggles we had to deal with for a moment.We shared laughs, and got to know each other better. I could finally be myself and not the tough girl my dad wanted me to be. The fire reminded me a lot of the scene from Pitch Perfect 2, except there were guys, and there were no lesbians, but I tried to block out the noises of the jungle while I slept, so who knows what happened in the dark. I was pretty sure some people had the hots for each other to be honest.
I was just glad that I didn't have to worry about fighting for my life.
DAY THREE
My group mate, Janice--who was unofficially named the "crazy one" of the camp behind her back--woke us all up with her shrill cries of panic, "Oh my God, Lucy! Somebody please! Oh my God! No. No. No. Why? How did--""Janice, calm down. What's got you so riled up this morning?" Beth--the caregiver of the group--asked with annoyance.
Everyone knew that Janice would go off on crazy rants for hours on end almost every other day, so today just so happened to be one of those times.
"C'mon Janice, lets go take a nice walk," Beth suggested.
"Off a cliff is more like it," My tent mate Allie whispered to herself, earning a slap on the shoulder from George, the youngest member of our group.
"No! But my baby Lucy! I can't leave her here!" Janice screamed.
"Your daughter is fine. She'll be okay when you get back." Beth consoled Janice while tightly grabbing her arm.
"Let go of me! Lucy's dead!"
"No she's not. She's just sleeping inside her--"
George opened Lucy's tent and jumped back in horror as her cold body was slumped on the ground, a pool of crimson blood coating the brown earth. Her signature pink headband was covering her mouth. The whole group watched as he slowly dragged her out of the shelter into the open air. Janice collapsed on Beth, who had fallen to the ground at the sight of Lucy's body. Everyone stood in shock, staring at Lucy. She had been violently stabbed multiple times in the torso, and it was assumed that she suffered a long and painful death.
We had a funeral, or a makeshift funeral, for Lucy that afternoon. Flowers from nearby plants were gathered in bouquets and placed on top of the mound of dirt where she was buried. Others took berries and used them as paint to mark her grave. We grieved for many days.
The only question now is: who killed her and why?
DAY FOUR
I don't know how long it's been since Lucy's death, but now I count my days like they're my last ones. After Lucy, Janice was killed in the same way. We buried her right next to her daughter. Soon two more people from my group were dead, all from the mystery killer. The remainder of us became nomads. We switched campsites almost every other day, but the killer kept finding us. Our group of twenty became a group of ten. Panic began to arise and tensions grew between us. I tried to not let the paranoia set in, but it doesn't help the fact that Allie was going crazy after George's death. The amount of sleep I got every night dwindled to two hours from the constant fear of the outside and from the group's insanity. I needed to get away from them, erase my tracks, and start new before the insanity would take me too. I have a feeling I'm the last person still intact.I paced around my campsite.
Where could I go?
I remember hearing Beth, who was the fifth death, saying that there was another island nearby connected by a tree bridge. Maybe that will be my escape. For now I can't trust anyone anymore. I must stay sane. I'm on my own.
DAY FIVE
Today was the day I would finally leave the camp. One other person has died since I first thought of leaving: Allie. Although I tried to forget the loss of my best friend on this island, I'm glad Allie and George finally went to a better place together. I had a feeling they would be a good couple.First things first, I needed to find the bridge. I didn't take long before I found it.
I crossed the shady bridge as quickly as I could. I didn't care where I was going. The more distance, the better. The light of a campfire appeared, and it looked like a lot of people were there.
I better get away from them before they spot me. I thought.
What if they're bad people? What if they hurt me? What if--
The ground beneath me gave out, and I fell underground.
A cave?
I wandered through the dimly lit cave, trying to find a way out. No luck. My body felt disoriented.
I've forgotten how it felt before the world fell at [my] feet.
"Hello?" I asked, "Hello? Can you hear me?"
A small voice echoed from a few feet away, "Who are you?"
"My name's Brooklyn," I said to the little girl in front of me.
"That's a pretty name. I'm Willow," she replied.
"Well Willow, let's find a way out of here."
DAY SIX
(continued on from Willow's Day Five)I approached the skeleton, and picked up a couple of rags from the floor. With one in each hand, I gripped the mandible and the main part of the skull, slowly trying to pry it open. After years of being in the dank cave, the skull was very much set in place and didn't want to move.
Finally, after a bit of sweat flowed, the mandible popped off and the foreign object inside soared through the air, landing on the sandy cave floor.
We got closer, staring down at the dirty, old roll of paper that has seen better days. I picked up the paper gently and dusted off the collection of sand on it. As I was inspecting the parchment, Willow bent down and grabbed another object that fell out alongside the paper.
"Oooh it's so pretty!" she exclaimed showing me the shiny jewel.
"You should keep it since you've earned it. It can be your souvenir," I said with a smile. She's too cute to be in this mess.
I turned my attention back to the paper and opened the roll.
A map! Just what we need!
In my hands was a detailed map of the two islands with drawings of the cave system and other landmarks. I made a mental note to stay away from the native villages here.
"C'mon Willow, let's get out of this place," I said, holding her hand and leading her towards an exit path, "Where were you before you fell in here?"
"I was with this guy named Wyan. He seemed nice. He was gonna help me find my mom," Willow explained.
I heard about him. He's part of the group I passed. Possibly their leader or something. I thought.
"I'll make sure we get to Ryan, don't worry," I replied.
"I think he would like you. You're nice and helpful," She said after we were close to the exit.
He might be nice, but I'll keep the map to myself just in case.
DAY SEVEN
I squeezed Willow's hand encouragingly as we walked into the fresh air together. I could tell that our previous conversation upset her a lot. Along the way back to her camp, I gathered a few flowers and strung them together, a perfect fit for Willow's head. We walked hand in hand before I crouched down on the ground to her level soon after I finished what I was doing with the flowers."Hey Willow, how would you like a piggyback ride?" I asked.
She nodded her head enthusiastically, jumping onto my back.
"Now you can be the tallest princess on the island," I told her with a smile. I placed the flower crown on her head, the bright petals standing out in her curly hair. Working at a daycare really built a connection between me and children.
"And what's a princess without a crown?" I asked her as I lifted her up.
Willow laughed and touched the crown, "The flowers are pretty and they smell good."
We kept going forward until we reached a small clearing.
"Look! There's Wyan! See? Over there!" Willow exclaimed, pointing over to a small cluster of people by the mangled plane crash site.
From the sound of Willow's voice, a man, who I assume to be Ryan, looked up at us. I walked to the camp and put Willow down. She then grabbed my hand and quickly pulled me over to him, almost making me trip in the process.
Ryan spoke to another person next to him before approaching us, "Willow where were you?"
"I fell down into a cave, but it's okay. Brooklyn helped me get out, and she gave me this crown!" Willow told him.
"I'm glad you're okay. Please don't go off like that anymore," he turned to speak to me next, "Thank you for bringing her back. The name's Ryan Hounsome. I'm the leader of this camp. And you are?"
"Brooklyn White," I replied.
"Well Brooklyn, glad you could join us. We need all the help we can get if we want to survive out here."
DAY EIGHT
The new group is, well how do I put this, different. I've never been around so many people with different backgrounds before. The only people I've talked to were uptight recording artists and suburban soccer moms who always made me babysit their kids while they went to the next PTA meeting in their mini vans. But that was in the past, back at home.Home.
The word sounded foreign to me. I've been on this island for so long my old life seemed like a dream. I missed my apartment back in Miami, but I've been grateful for the people I've met here. I became closer to Willow as time went by. She's a sweet little girl that just needed some attention, someone to watch over her. I know that if anyone should leave this island, it's her.
I haven't really gotten closer to anyone else in the group yet. Ryan was organizing some type of secret meeting with his most trusted people, so there wasn't much I could do except keep Willow company.
It was one of the occasions where I was sitting alone. I looked around to see if anyone else was watching me, before pulling out the map I took from the cave into my lap. I marked the location of our camp on it with dirt. Luckily, most of the native villages were far away from us, and the cave system didn't seem to give them a way to get to us. But that's not what I was worried about. I couldn't let the map out of my sight in case I needed to escape when things go south. And trust me, it always happens.
I was so engrossed in reading the map that I failed to notice a shadow looming over me.
"What are you looking at?" A small voice asks me.
I looked up to see Willow peeking at the map, "It's just something from the cave," I said.
"Oh, okay! Can we go play together?" Se asked me with puppy dog eyes.
"Alright let's go," I replied, standing up from the tree.
We spent the next hour or so playing whatever Willow wanted to. She really made me tired from her energy. That kid never stopped.
In our time spent running around the camp, I managed to eavesdrop on Ryan's meeting. The piece of information I heard could change our lives on the island.
DAY NINE
"World War Three?" I whispered to myself after hearing what Ryan said.Did I hear him correctly? Was the world really falling apart?
I shifted my position to listen better to their conversation. I could only hear a few pieces without my cover being blown.
"...wasn't much detail...not be leaving this island..."
I knew it. I knew all hell would break loose sooner or later.
I leaned closer to make out more of what was going on. Completely engrossed in the meeting, I failed to see the shadow of a figure approaching me from behind until the person grabbed my shoulder.
I jumped up, thinking that they found me spying on them, but it was only Willow, "Brooklyn! Brooklyn! There's this guy named Grant that needs your help! He looked really sad, so I told him you're really good at giving advice, but he's too shy, so you can just tell me and I'll tell him."
I walked with Willow to another area of the camp.
I guess the world falling apart would have to wait.
"Okay, so what does Grant need help with?" I asked her.
"Well, I asked him if this girl named Jackie was his girlfriend, but he got all embarrassed," She replied, thinking back to when she wandered off.
"He might be afraid of his actual feelings for her. It's very hard to be in a relationship. Did he say anything else?"
"When I gave him a crown he said he couldn't be a prince for Jackie."
I feel bad for the guy. He's too insecure about himself.
"I think that if he's worried about being perfect for Jackie, Jackie might feel the same way. He shouldn't let his emotions take control of everything. When the time is right I think he should gather up the courage to be that prince. I know for a fact that he's capable of having a good relationship. Tell him I believe in him." I said to Willow, hoping she would remember everything I told her.
"Grant will feel so much better! Then he and Jackie can be prince and princess like in the fairy tales, and they can live happily ever after!" She exclaimed before taking off in the direction of Grant.
"I sure hope so Willow," I said to myself, looking at her happily skipping away.
At least I made some lives better on this island before my time is up.
DAY TEN
"Willow? Willow where are you?" I shouted throughout the camp.She hadn't come back from talking to Grant, and I was starting to worry.
Where could she have gone? Is she okay?
There was no sign of her in the camp, so she must've wandered off. I began to walk away from the huts, but backtracked to quickly grab a knife just in case.
"Willow? C'mon you know you shouldn't wander off this far. We need to get back to--" I paused and looked down to see a sinkhole a step ahead of me. I peered into the dimly lit area, and saw my worst nightmare come true. The sunlight shone like a spotlight on a little piece of curly hair with a flower crown on it.
"No! No! No! Willow!" I collapsed on the ground, my eyes stinging with tears.
Down in the hole was Willow's dead body.
I cried and cried for her lost life. She was like a little sister to me. Why did she have to run off?
After mourning over Willow, I stood up with my thoughts still disoriented with grief. I dizzily made my way back to the camp, but I was stopped by a man slamming my body against the bark of a tree.
"Tell me where Natalia Osipova is!" He demanded, his thick Russian accent cutting through the air.
"Why do you want her?" I asked back with fake confidence. He was holding a gun to my head, so why should I be calm?
"Stupid girl! Just tell me her location, and I might not kill you."
"You're lying. You'll kill me anyway."
He pushed me harder into the tree, "You're testing my patience, American girl."
I suddenly remembered that I still had the knife in my hand. With a quick swing, I aimed the tip of the blade at his chest and pushed. The man stumbled and pulled the trigger, the bullet grazing my shoulder and leaving a gash in my arm. My eyes followed the trail of blood to the source. I stabbed him near the heart.
Why is he here?
"Does this have to do with World War Three?" I wondered to myself.
The man heard me and smirked, "Yes, but you won't have to worry. We'll kill you all soon."
And with that he took his last breath.
I dropped the knife and began to shake, "I just killed someone. Oh my god. I killed someone."
My emotions overtook my actions and before I knew it, I was on the ground. My vision soon faded as Ryan came running towards me.
DAY ELEVEN
The first thing I realized when I woke up was that I was indoors. I must have been taken by Ryan to a hut.My head still pounded, but my vision was clearing, and I could make out my surroundings. Over by the entrance was Ryan and another man, who had the same outfit on as the man that tried to kill me.
The same man I killed.
I shuddered at that thought.
Ryan seemed to notice my movement and walked over to me holding a cup of water and some pain reliever pills.
"Here. You're gonna need these," he said putting them in my hands.
I swallowed the medicine and gave a skeptical look towards the unknown man.
Why was Ryan working with him? Aren't they the enemy?
As if he read my mind, Ryan motioned to the man, "We saw you stab that guy back there, which I had to say was a bad-ass move, but anyway back to the point. Out there in the rest of the world, we got World War Three, and he's helping us."
"Isn't he the enemy?" I asked.
"Well, the enemy of my enemy is my friend, and Wrennyn and Natalia are the enemy."
"Wrennyn? And Natalia?"
"They're trying to take over this camp, so we need all the help we can get. What do you say? Wanna join Team Hounsome?"
What should I do? I don't really like Ryan, but what would happen to me if I go against him? I have to see Wrennyn's side of this. A change in leadership doesn't sound so bad.
I could at least pretend to side with him.
I extended my hand out to meet him, "Alright. I'll join your team."
Ryan, you better watch your back. You never know who could be a spy.
DAY TWELVE
I was wandering on my own. The meeting I had with Ryan was etched in my memory. The small gun he handed me felt cold against the skin under my shirt. I didn't know what else to do. I couldn't just refuse it, but I don't want it. I can't kill someone again.My thoughts stopped as I heard some noise a few feet away from me. I peered around some trees to see Ryan walking back from wherever he ventured to. He soon spotted me and jogged over to be next to me, "Hey Brooklyn, I was thinking about ways to get more people to join our side."
"Okay, what do you have in mind?" I replied, hoping everything would end up being civilized with no more bloodshed.
"We could go around and expose Wrennyn and Natalia for who they are and convince the other survivors we're the way to go, and maybe after that we could--"
The sound of a distant gunshot stopped the conversation.It wasn't close enough to affect us, but it sounded like it was on this island. We looked at each other and ran in the direction of the noise. The thunder of an incoming storm loomed over us, giving the entire island a dark aura. We were reaching the end of the island and thought that our trip was for nothing, until we saw the shadow of a body. Getting closer I saw that it was a woman, more specifically, Natalia. I gasped at the scene in front of us. Blood pooled out from her chest, and a sword laid next to her corpse.
"Well, I guess one half of the problem is fixed," Ryan said, trying to make light of the situation.
I hit his shoulder in a "really?" sort of fashion before walking closer. I spotted some unknown people nearby who have also noticed me.
They approached Ryan and I, and Ryan decided to act first,"We mean no harm. My name is Ryan Hounsome. This is Brooklyn White. We heard the gunshot and came to see what happened."
One of the strangers spoke up, "Oh her? Another man stabbed her. She held a gun to his head and all that. he seemed pretty upset about it. I think he was her lover."
"Do you know who the man is?"
"It's something like a Will--no--R--no--Wren--"
"--nyn?"
"Yeah that's the guy! He's in here with Gutaale. We'll take you to him."
Ryan leaned over to whisper in my ear, "Maybe we can take him out too."
"No! Killing is never the answer. Now, let's just wait and see what he has to say about all this, okay?" I replied, acting a little bit like a mother even though he's twice my age.
What was with men and violence?
I hope Wrennyn would be cooperative.
DAY THIRTEEN
"Ryan? Ryan? Where are you?" I asked while looking around in circles. He was nowhere to be found.I should've known that bastard would leave me alone. He's probably off doing God knows what with Wrennyn and that damn bromance they have going. What was that saying? Bros before--
"Wrennyn, you're gonna have company!" I heard Ryan shout in the distance.
Oh now what?
Almost immediately after, an explosion of gunfire mixed with the booming thunder of the storm. I ran for cover, trying to avoid the massive wall of bullets flying in every direction. A bullet nearly made contact with my head, but I found a hiding spot before I could meet my end. I peeked out from my safe haven and saw body after body fall to the ground, some of them Russians, some Pirates.
"What the hell?" I said to myself.
I heard the cocking of a gun next to my ear. I turned my head to meet the barrel of a pistol staring me in the face with a smug Russian man at the other end.
A situation like this reminded me of the times I would talk with my dad about fight or flight.
"Now Brook, where's the most important place to shoot someone?" My dad asked me during a shooting practice.
"Their head?" I replied hesitantly, aiming my gun to line up with the practice dummy's skull.
"No honey, even more than that."
"Heart?"
"Nope. Their manhood."
Before he had time to blink, I moved the loaded gun in my hand down and fired.
I had to get out of there fast. In a seconds I was soaking wet from the pouring rain. Blood pooled wherever I stepped. I needed to find Ryan or Wrennyn before they kill each other. I couldn't believe I had to clean up their mess. I mean, they started all this, and now I'm here covered in blood.
I felt no remorse anymore. I shot anyone in my way. To be completely honest, I was pissed.
Among the falling bodies and thick rain, I spotted Ryan and Wrennyn ready to stab each other with swords
"Damn idiots," I muttered to myself, disappointed in the both of them.
They went for their attacks. I wish could've stopped them myself, but I had my own ass to save. Luckily, they stopped before Wrennyn's throat would become a spewing fountain of blood.
The two ran off into the woods leaving me alone in the middle of the battlefield.
When I get back, Tweedle Dumb and Tweedle Dumber better protect themselves if they want to have kids.
DAY FOURTEEN
I've been walking for a few minutes, making sure I had a loaded weapon with me just in case. I was still furious at Ryan and Wrennyn for ditching me back at the pirates' camp. I swore I'd have a heart attack if I saw them do anything stupid again, which meant I probably didn't have a lot of time to live left. I mean, I wasn't some damsel in distress, but that didn't mean they could just skip off into the sunset together. I'm through with their damn bromance. I wouldn't be surprised if someone came up with a ship name for them.In my boredom of walking alone, I thought back to my previous self conversation about ship names. What could be a good ship name for them? Ryannyn? Wrenyan? Founsome? Houster?
I slapped my head to come back to my senses, "C'mon Brook what are you, thirteen? Shipping, really? You're an adult!"
God, what has this island been doing to me?
(skipping to after the events of day thirteen wrap up)
I stood up and winced, noticing a gash in my right arm from when I was pushed over. I ripped a piece of my sleeve off and used it as a makeshift bandage to stop the bleeding. I checked around the rest of my body for any other injuries. Thankfully, nothing else happened to me except for the fact that my arm bled through the fabric of my pants and made me look like mother nature paid me a visit.
"Aw great."
My journey back to camp wasn't as easy I hoped it would be. I ended up using a lot of my ammunition on those Russian perverts. No one stares at my ass and gets away with it.
I finally made it back to the huts. Now all I need to do is find the two idiots who started this mess.
"Ryan? Wrennyn? You guys here?" I said raising my voice loud enough for them to hear but not for enemies to find me.
"Where in world could they be? They better have not left this place," I paused in realization, "And they're not here. Great just great. Well, I won't be saying nice things at their funerals."
I heard the sounds of gunfire and explosives in the distance.
I sighed, "This'll never end will it?"
Wait. If I could hear it all the way from here? How come no one else can? Why wasn't anyone else in the camp concerned? Either they don't care if they could light up like the Fourth of July or they're as deaf as senior citizens.
If there's one thing I've learned from being stuck on here, it's that this island sure is one crazy person away from getting its own reality show.
DAY FIFTEEN
I sighed in frustration, "What to do, what to do?"I couldn't go back into the fight. That would be pointless for me unless I wanted to become a martyr, which let's face it, could always be a plan B for me. But thankfully, I wasn't as dumb as those stereotypes put me out to be, and my plan B already came in pill form.
I paced in a small circle near the hut I claimed as my own. It wasn't much, with only a few necessities to keep myself alive. Oh how I wish I was back in my apartment in Miami where I could stare at my poster collection of Harry Styles--no matter how homeless he may look--without being judged by anyone, except for my weird ass neighbor Mrs. Hummenburger. I wonder how she's doing. Hopefully she found someone on that gluten free dating website, whoever it may be it's a lot better than the previous dating site she was on, 420singles.com.
"God I miss that place," I said to myself.
After wasting my time reminiscing for what felt like forever, I decided to go exploring around the forest.
Dora don't fail me now.
I'm pretty sure I got lost somewhere along the way, since I swore I passed the same tree three times. I really hope I didn't run into another Russian or even worse, the two idiots that left me alone. I wasn't ready to meet up with them yet, not when I didn't come up with a clever comeback. C'mon, I need some type of banter to keep me going. It's what makes me likable.
The sound of a small female voice stopped me in my tracks, "What do I do now?"
Oh shit, someone found me, and just when I was enjoying a nice stroll.
I turned around and placed my hand at my hip right where I hid my gun. A girl can't be too vulnerable.
She continued to close the space between us, asking me something directly, "Who are you and who are you looking for?"
Hm, she seemed familiar. Where have I seen her before?
"My name's Brooklyn White, and I'm not really looking for anyone. I was just taking a walk from the camp not too far from here," I replied honestly.
Oh my god, where have I seen her?
"Then you must know where Hounsome is."
"Ha, I wish. That bastard ditched me a while ago to go party with Wrennyn."
She looked like she was deep in thought before continuing the conversation, "What about Grant Smith? Do you know about him?"
"Sorry, I don't know, but I could help you look for him."
"Oh no that's okay. I'm sure he's just out wandering," she replied a little too quickly. I could tell she didn't trust me a whole lot.
Oh wait...
"She's the girl that has the hots for that Grant guy!"
"Huh?"
Shit did I say that out loud?
"Um, nothing, nothing. Well, it was nice talking to you..."
"Jackie."
"...Jackie, but I've gotta run. I have to find the bromance before they end up either killing each other or going off to start their own family together."
"Bromance? Who's--"
"It's an inside joke," I began to jog away from her, "Aloha!"
I felt bad for leaving her there, but I just though about all the things that could end up happening to Thing One and Thing Two aka the Founster bromance. I better hope things didn't escalate to...
I shuddered, "I'm going crazy. I'm definitely going crazy. Dammit Brook, stop thinking about relationships
just because the only relationship you've been in was a fling with your second cousin."
I better pull myself together, I'm running out of funny things to say, and it's only getting worse.
DAY SIXTEEN
"Okay, so if I were a middle aged man and a twenty some year old guy, where would I go?" I wondered to myself, venturing deeper into the forest.I decided to ditch the plan of waiting for someone to come and tell me what the hell's happening here and took matters into my own hands. I'm a strong, independent woman who don't need no man to drag me down. I was going to find out what's going on with this goddamn island if it even killed me. And trust me, if I died, I know just the people I'd drag down to my grave with me.
"No Brook, you gotta think of it this way. If you were a middle aged man going through a midlife crisis, what would you do?" I corrected myself.
"Hm, a car? No. A new house? No. A tattoo?" I shuddered, "I don't even want to know. Viagra? Probably."
I sighed in frustration, "This is getting me nowhere."
If you would actually think for yourself for once and not depend on the lives of useless men you might get somewhere.
"Great, now I'm arguing with myself. What's next, I'm going to hallucinate?"
I don't know, maybe if you take drugs. I wouldn't go by the west side if I were you. Those natives put the cannabis in cannibal.
"I'm gonna hit them up if I keep talking to myself like this. And why do I sound Russian in my head?"
Because it's not you you're talking to, it's me.
I laughed, "Thanks, but that's not helping the nut case over here," I pointed to myself.
No, you idiot. It's me, Natalia. Man, I thought you said you were smart.
"Natalia? Aren't you dead? What, still trying to get at it with Wrennyn? I mean, I know you had a baby making session and all that, but...oh my god! Were you pregnant? I knew it! You're haunting him because he wouldn't pay child support!"
What? No, no! We didn't, I mean it's true we did...it, but I wasn't pregnant. God what made you think of that? Can we just get back to the point?
"Right, right. Sorry. I think I'm going through shock right now."
Natalia's ghost was about to speak, but I cut her off, "This isn't going to be like the Sixth Sense is it? Because I don't want to keep seeing a bunch of dead people, especially those Russian agents. It was bad enough they wanted to grope me when they were living."
I can assure you, you won't be seeing anyone. But please, I'm starting to regret talking to you, so let's get back to why I'm here. I'm trying to find Wrennyn.
"I was right!"
And I'm helping you save everyone too. See, Russians can be nice. We're not all about vodka and Putin memes.
"Alright, I'll go along with this. Where to?"
Don't ask me, I'm just a voice.
"Well then, onward Casper!"
Don't call me that.
I explored further into the thick forest with the nagging ghost of Natalia traveling with me. I wish I had a mute button. I mean, c'mon, I made one mistake, and now she won't let me live it down.
Anyway, I thought this whole trip was a lost cause until I stumbled upon a small cave, and I literally mean stumbled. Me and my two left feet managed to trip on air and land me face first on the cave wall.
Nice going twinkle toes.
"Shut up."
I brushed the dirt off of me and used the cave wall as a support to stand up.
"Hm, that's weird," I muttered.
The wall didn't feel like rock, it felt like metal, like a door. My suspicions were correct as I found a door handle and turned it. Behind the thick piece of metal was a large set of computers, all displaying statistics of people inhabiting this island. My name flashed across one screen with details of my age, appearance, and personality.
"Well this isn't a Tinder profile."
I snooped around some more and found out that someone had been watching us this entire time. All of our movements and our conversations were broadcasted for some snobby upper class gamblers for their entertainment.
That means they saw Wrennyn and I...
"Think of it this way. If they release it, you'll probably make more money from that sex tape than Kim Kardashian ever did."
Natalia sighed loudly, What did I get myself into?
DAY SEVENTEEN
"Hm, let's see here. The only screens that seemed online were mine, Ryan's, Wrennyn's, Grant's, Adrianna's, Ember's (whoever she is), and Jackie's," I counted the brightly lit computer screens out loud.Are we all that's left? I thought.
I carefully watched everyone's profiles, my eyes locking in on a particular screen. Static erupted over Jackie's profile, distorting her image and heart rate. The jagged lines of the heart monitor slowly flattened until they hit zero. The minute it dropped completely, large letters appeared on the screen.
DECEASED.
Her computer went blank soon after.
How unfortunate. I kinda liked her, Natalia's voice broke through the silence.
"I thought you couldn't feel anything," I sarcastically replied.
I'm Russian, not a robot.
"Ha, same thing."
Shut up you stupid American.
"If I'm so stupid, how am I still alive?"
Sheer luck.
"Thanks. It's great to know someone believes in me."
I continued to search through everyone's information. Man, I was freaking myself out. I felt like a creep looking through everything. Thank god no one was underage...
I looked through Grant's profile, "Damn he's seventeen."
Upset about Grant are we? Huh, I didn't spike you as a cougar.
"I'm twenty one!"
That's what they call plastic surgery.
"I'm about done with you. Where's the door to hell? I'll gladly drag you there myself."
Hate me or not, I'm staying. I won't leave without finding Wrennyn. Now, I don't know about you, but I'm getting a bad feeling about this place. We better get out of here.
"You don't have to tell me twice."
Taking Natalia's words of advice, I quickly escaped the cave and made sure to get far away from it. I stopped to catch my breath on the beach, looking back in the direction of the cave. Our suspicions of the area were correct. A massive cloud of smoke billowed over the treetops, screams mixed with gunfire echoed throughout the island. That could be one hell of a wake up call.
Natalia sighed in reminiscence, Sounds like my parents' wedding.
"I don't even wanna know."
I waited in silence until all became eerily still. It was over...for now. I took a deep breath to calm myself down and sat in the sand. The air became awkward, so I tried to strike up a conversation with Natalia, "Um...so...what will you do once we find Wrennyn?"
Well...
"Are you sure you're not pregnant?"
No, I'm sure or I think I'm sure.
"Aha! So there's still a chance!"
Goddamn you're stubborn.
"Go get a test and find out! Ghosts still have to take a leak right?"
I don't even know if I can be pregnant! I'm dead!
"Being dead didn't stop Bruce Willis from doing his job."
That's a movie! You know what? Why don't I call up Maury and see if Wrennyn's the father? Or go to Planned Parenthood and dodge protesters?
"Don't get snippy with me. I'm trying to help. Why don't you just ask God? No one knows your information better than him, well except for the NSA."
Just shut up, please. I'll go. Have a nice time. Don't get killed.
"Have a nice time finding out who your baby daddy is."
Well, now it was just me, myself, and I, and frankly, I was getting tired of hanging around myself.
I better find someone soon.
DAY EIGHTEEN
I pondered over what should I do next. There wasn't much left that I could do exactly, with everyone almost dead and Natalia gone.Hm, if I remember correctly, there are six of us left. Ryan and Wrennyn are probably off making side glances at each other's crotches. I mean, if they're alone it's bound to happen. And that Ember girl doesn't seem too far out of reach, but I'm not taking any chances with her; I've watched Orange is the New Black. Well, that only leaves Grant and Adrianna. I wonder where they are. Hopefully not doing what I think they're doing. Adrianna shouldn't be a rebound hookup, and we don't want another daddy issue. I've already got some of my own.
I sighed and brushed the sand off my clothes, "Let's go make some new friends, Brook."
The walk back to the location of the crash took less time than I thought. Pretty soon I was shouting around for the pair, but heard no reply.
That's strange. I thought they were here.
I approached a section of trees to take a break from my search. Five minutes of walking really takes a toll on you. Man I shouldn't have skipped leg day.
The trees parted and gave me a clear look at the ground, and to my surprise, I saw Grant laying on top of Adrianna. Sadly it wasn't because Grant got lucky.
I grimaced, "That's unfortunate."
What am I supposed to do now?
"I don't have a lot of options."
Oh, finally deciding on who to settle down with? It's about time, too. I don't want to be the only one who deals with your nagging.
"Natalia, you're back. So, how was it? Finally letting me be the godmother?"
Never in a million years would I trust you like that, but for your information, I never did it.
"What? Then what did you do up there? Drink away your troubles?"
I wish. She paused before continuing, I found out something about this place. It's all a game.
"We pretty much knew that for a while now. Wow, you're slow."
I wasn't finished! Up there in heaven, there's a council that decides our fate. Our lives, our words, our actions, our decisions, it's all controlled by them.
"Are you sure you're not confusing this with school?"
Yeah, I'm sure, but back to the point. As long as you keep them entertained, you'll survive.
"They're treating us like some roadside attraction. They better not be making bets or anything."
Oh, they are. I heard your price is a bit low though, maybe $10-15 less than Hounsome.
"What? How am I worth less than that jackass? Is that room filled with single moms?"
Quite the opposite. Thousand year old men.
"Oh god that's perverted. You know what, I'm okay with being worth less," I shuddered at the thought of creepy old men constantly watching me.
I shoved the chilling thoughts out of my head, "So, how do I stay in the game then?"
They seem to like your humor, so keep up with that, but don't go too crazy. Try to keep it PG.
"Ha, already crossed that line a while ago."
Then, don't be offensive.
"Alright, alright. I'll try."
A bright light flashed across the cloudless sky. My eyes followed the streak as something materialized overhead. The light transformed into the figure of a man, who had the look of an official of some sort.
"Hello island survivors, my name is Council President Stone, the head game maker if you wish to call me that. Under normal circumstances I would not have revealed my existence until only one of you remained, but seeing as that a certain nosy contestant knows the truth, I had no choice. There are four of you left. Although I know this message will only be heard by the two females of the island, I still wish to say that your lives are not yours to live. The minute you stepped on that airplane, your destinies were sold over to the Council. With that being said, don't fret. As long as we deem you interesting, you will remain living. Good luck humans, and may the odds be ever in your favor."
A voice from behind the council president spoke up, "Uh sir, I don't think you can say that. We don't have enough money in the budget to pay for copyright."
"Shh, whatever Hollywood doesn't know won't hurt them. How do you think we collected all those souls from drug overdose so easily?"
"Sir, you're still on the air."
"Ah, yes. Still on. Almost forgot," he cleared his throat, "Well, we'll all be looking forward to your performances. Don't disappoint us. Let the first annual Island Games continue!"
"Isn't that still..."
The image disappeared in a puff of smoke.
I better step it up if I want to stay alive.
DAY NINETEEN
Natalia left me some time ago to further investigate the so called "Council" up in the sky. If only I could snoop around with her, but alas, I'm stuck here on this damn island with two other idiots frolicking in the limelight of their bromance.I swear to God once I see them again, they won't be able to have children.
I wouldn't find it hard to believe if they were off playing battleship or trying to take over some goddamn territory or something. What does Wrennyn even see in Ryan anyway? I didn't spike him as an egotistical, dumbass, control freak kind of guy, but then again, he was PUTIN it in Natalia that one night. I'm not knocking on Natalia though, she has helped me stay alive for the past few days.
"Despite being a pain in my as--" the sound of a voice clearing prompted me to change the rest of my sentence, "asthma. Yeah, hey...Natalia. I was just talking about my asthma, no-nothing about you."
You're a worse liar than Pinocchio. Good thing your pointy nose doesn't grow or else you'd be looking like the Wicked Witch of the West...not like you're that far off anyway.
"What's got you in a bitchy mood today? Pregnancy test came back positive?"
Ha ha, oh how I missed your scratchy man voice. I see you're back to smoking six packs a day now. And I see that you're clothes are still...that. Why don't you slip into something more comfortable, like a coma. I'll help you with that.
"So the only reason you came back was to roast me? Why don't we invite Wrennyn or Ryan while we're at it? I have plenty of things to say about them."
That's why I came back.
"So we are having a roast session then?"
No, no. Just save the insults for your mixtape.
"I'm not going to answer that. Anyway, what were you saying about those jackasses that ditched me?"
She replied in a singsong voice, Wow, someone's got a grudge.
"Shut up. Just tell me."
Okay, so while I was up on Seventh Heaven I managed to find the place where they're stalking Ryan and Wrennyn. Very nice place actually, dark, small, and filled with old men. But that's beside the point. I found out their location and went to town watching their...how should I put this...lovely diplomatic plans. Not gonna lie, but you're right about the idiot part. All they do is shoot first, ask for more weapons later. I don't understand how all that violence is appealing to the Council with them being heavenly beings and all. And I've realized something else too. Ryan is almost as conceited as Kanye West, maybe even more. Thank God he's not running for president next election, I swear everyday would be dedicated to his six pack.
"What you're saying is that they're basically in an alliance and they're trying to get rid of me?"
Not exactly, but yes, I think that's their ultimate goal.
"Those backstabbing bastards! Where are they? Let me at 'em! I'll show them a hell worse than a woman PMSing."
A beeping sound came from the treetops with a small capsule gliding down. The cool, metal container fell into my hands and popped open to reveal two objects. First, was a note from whoever sent me the package.
Brooklyn,
Congrats on making top three! We're rooting for you. Here's a little something to help you on your quest for the Founster bromance as you previously called it. Enjoy!
- The Council
P.S. We know your little Russian groupie spies on us. The KGB's training process is so bad it could be renamed the CIA.
Looks like someone's got an admirer. Seems like those old guys do have a soft spot for women after all, Natalia joked.
I ignored her comment and grabbed the second object in the capsule. I wrapped my fingers around the mystery thing and pulled it into the sunlight. In my hand was a small gun filled with five poison darts.
"What the hell is with angels and violence? I'm not gonna use this at all."
Well, you did want to get revenge on them didn't you? Here's your chance.
"I don't want to kill them!"
Hey either you kill them or they kill you. Deal with it. I had to. Don't you think I regret attacking Wrennyn everyday? Personally, I think you should go over there and knock some common sense into them.
"You know what, I'll go, but I won't murder anybody...at least, not unless I have to. Foster, Hounsome, you won't be able to get rid of me that easily."
---
A message to the class: I know a battle between Wrennyn and Ryan would be cool and all, but don't let their dictatorship influence your decision. I think a final confrontation between Brook and one of the guys would be the perfect ending to the game.
A message to the bromance: I'm still in this game, and I won't let you kick me out of it just because you're both allies. I personally like both of your storylines, but the same old shootout sequences with only adding a new battle each day gets monotonous after a while. Just to let you know that I've been trying to meet up with you guys for the past few entries, but I've always had no luck, and after today's voting, we'll all finally get the interaction I've been trying to write for a while now. Good luck to you both.
A message to Brooklyn: Our shootouts may be repetitive, but at least we added action to our days. Without that, it would have been a documentary. So what have you done? Hunger Games. Yawn. We abandoned you because we wanted to have an interesting tie-in without posing a threat to others. Haven't you heard bros before hoes? And you always copied what Wrennyn and I did, with the talking to a dead person, going into a secret base after we were there, and a second Russian attacked you. And what dictatorship? Don't you remember everyone thought I would be evil, and it was quite the opposite? Don't you remember the Speech I wrote a while ago? People who helped me stayed around for the longest time. Wrennyn and I are the Original Gangstas of Survive, it's time we settle what we started. And there is no such thing as luck. Only the Force. <3 Lt. Gen. Ryan Hounsome
A reply to Ryan: Being interesting is not 100% about how much "action" you put into your story. Being interesting means that you rope in your audience and keep them entertained for the duration of your entry, which is what I have done just as well as you have. And I'm not the only one who has been using movie references in survive. I was told that Wrennyn is based off of a movie, and I've seen plenty of references made by you in the pat, so none of us are innocent. Yeah I've heard of bros before hoes I've mentioned it in my day thirteen. I'm not saying that you're evil either. Maybe dictatorship was the wrong word to use, but by the looks of your storyline, you're mostly preoccupied with saving yourself before anyone else. By the way, I only "copied" your story because I was trying to have a character interaction with you guys. That's how a shared story works anyway. the plots have to fit, so I did just that. I couldn't just randomly add you in my story out of the blue like it was the next episode of a sitcom. Who gave you the right to say you and Wrennyn are the "original gangstas" anyway? We're all original since we've been here from the beginning. Are you trying to say I'm a fraud, a copy of survive? Give me the receipts for that. I can assure you that I'm completely original. It's a literary strategy to allude to other works or people, not just a ploy to copy. While you and Wrennyn are playing terminator over there, I'm making my story more relatable to the class. Thanks for being a worthy adversary. I wish you the best, i truly do. Congrats on making it this far :)
To Ryan : bros before hoes? Wrennyn didn't follow that, did he? And Brooklyn is much better-Natalia Osipova
To Natalia: Be quiet and stay dead, Russian STD. To Brooklyn: How is Family Guy's Death, heavenly council, and Hunger Games relateable? This is war. Kill off Wrennyn, and we'll fight. (Insert Jesse Pinkman Bitch!) But in all seriousness, all of you guys and girls did a great job with the Survive game...
To Brooklyn: I think the reason you're winning is because you don't have as much action and your character is hilarious. I love the Hunger Games reference. Good luck. - Natalia Osipova
To ALL : Brooklyn's independent survival till this day defeats Ryan's and Wrennyn's. - Anonymous Classmate
DAY TWENTY
Disclaimer: The events of my Day 20 will be decided by you, the class. At each designated time in my entry, there will be two choices. Whichever one you choose directs my character in a certain direction, giving you--the council--the ultimate decision on Brooklyn's last day.
(Starting from the events of the Day 19 Wrap Up)
"Where did you say they were again?" I asked breathily, the wind knocked out of me from running across the island.
They're on a ship off the shore of the cave we went to a while ago, Natalia replied, I should start calling you Dory from now on from your short term memory.
"Oh shut it you piece of wind."
Piece of wind? Is that all you could come up with?
"I'm tired, okay," I pointed into the distance, "I think I see something over there. It might be them."
Nope. That's a tree.
"It's not, trust me. Stop trying to mess wi--" My body hit a hard object and rendered me unsteady for a few moments.
See? Told you.
I rubbed my head, trying to ease the sharp pain, "Ugh, I'm about done with this goddamn island and it's goddamn forests and it's goddamn...everything."
Your vocabulary has gotten better from being stuck on here. Using 'goddamn' in almost every sentence, well done. Your descriptions are goddamn amazing.
"Thanks for the English lesson Professor. Wow, can't wait to get my degree."
The only degree you'll be getting is first degree burns.
"In the mood for another bitch fest? You know, I'm not quite done from our last one."
She scoffed, You never even started.
"That's because--" I stopped as I heard a rumbling in the distance.
Because what? Too busy with your--
"Shh. Could you be quiet for at least one minute? I swear it's like your mouth starts driving before your brain gets in the car. Anyway, do you hear that noise?"
Yeah, it sounds like the noise you'll be making after I'm through with you.
"Remind me not to sleep ever again."
Oh you won't be sleeping.
"Stop creeping me out. God, you could star in the next Paranormal Activity."
Who's saying we're not living in it now?
"We have more important things to talk about than this!"
Oh true, I forgot. We need to talk about your unhealthy obsession with homosexual hookups.
"It's not an obsession! And I'm not even talking about hookups!"
The first step to solving your problem is identifying it. Any relationship experiences you would like to share?
"I could ask the same thing for you. That KGB organization of yours must stand for Keep Getting Babies."
Oh keep on talking, maybe someday something intelligent will come out. Now don't evade the question.
"There's nothing for you to know."
I may love to go shopping, but I don't buy your bullshit.
"I'm done with you. I'm going to find out whatever that sound is. Follow me, don't follow me, I don't care."
I began the rest of my trip to figure out what was happening at the other end of the island. I knew that the source would lead back to the two sons of bitches that want to get rid of me. My guess turned out to be correct, once I saw Ryan looking up at some helicopter that just so happened to be hovering over the island. I glanced at the weapon in my hand and back up at my surroundings. Would I even need it?
Choice 1: Drop the weapon? or Keep it?
Drop the Weapon:
"I can't have this with me. I've got a bad feeling about it. I don't want to be a killer," I told myself as I threw the gun onto the dirt, watching it crack as it hit the ground.
Wow, bad quality. Must've been made in China.
I continued running towards the other end of the island until I reached a set of trees separating me from Ryan and Wrennyn. Well, just Ryan for now. I couldn't see any sign of his partner in crime anywhere. He must've signed the divorce papers finally.
Oh they divorced alright.
I watched as the limp, and definitely dead body of Wrennyn was taken away to some place unknown.
"Hey now Natalia and Wrennyn can have that round two."
What makes you say we only did it once? The voice of Natalia replied with a smug tone.
"Now I understand how you got the nickname 'Russian STD.'"
Before I could give her time to reply, me being the blonde I am had to trip yet again on part of the brush on the island floor, causing me to loudly yell, "Shit!" on my way down.
That got Ryan's attention.
His head swiveled over to face me, a smirk appearing at the sight of me, "Hey Brooklyn! Long time no see! Looks like it's just us two now!"
I had no choice but to lessen the distance between us until the only thing separating us was the bridge to the ship. Ryan took the opportunity to motion or me to come on board, but I refused at first. Who knew what kind of stuff he had on that ship that could mean the end of me? I kept shaking my head until he shrugged and joined me down on the beach.
"Well, I never thought I'd see you again," Ryan stated, noticing that I was unarmed.
"Same here," I replied carefully.
"But I will admit, I'll miss the sweet escape I had from your constant nagging when we paired up. Best decision of my life to abandon you."
"Like frolicking off away with your boyfriend was any better. You ended up stabbing him in the back anyway."
"In the chest, actually. With this knife," he spun the blade in between his hands tauntingly, "You'll get to know this baby pretty soon, too."
"What happened to saving people and making sure we all get out of here?"
"Eh, people change. I realized that all y'all are crazy, so I did what I had to do. I did try to save other survivors, but they all died before I got to them. Shame."
"That's a heartless thing to say. What is it made of stone?"
"No, but my extremely chiseled features are."
"Oh how I missed your vanity."
"Thanks, I love me, too. But sorry Brook, this is where you say adios."
He took a step forward and got his weapon ready. In a matter of seconds, he was after me, pursuing me as I dodged his attacks. Man, why did I drop the gun?
"I wish I had some help," I pleaded to the unknown, hoping for something to give me a leg up on Ryan.
Choice 2: Natalia to the rescue? or Bad luck Hounsome?
Natalia to the Rescue:
Ugh, the only time you're nice is when you need help, Natalia groaned.
"Just please? Don't you hate the guy?"
Alright, alright I'll help. I don't know how, but I will.
I continued to avoid the combination of the knife and Ryan's punches, waiting for Natalia to do something. I had a feeling this would be a lost cause until Ryan magically flew backwards and lost his grip on his blade.
I'm not gonna question how I managed to do that, but you're welcome.
"Damn, I'd give you a solid nine for distance."
A nine? C'mon that's a ten for sure.
"You could've done better on the execution."
You want me to throw you with him? I'll gladly do it.
"Love you too."
END
Back Luck Hounsome:
My prayers have been answered to some extent. For some strange reason, the seemingly endless flow of attacks abruptly stopped. Next thing I knew, Ryan was down face first on the ground, his knife gone with the wind.
"Nice going twinkle toes," I laughed as he spit some sand out of his mouth.
"Don't pretend I didn't see you trip over yourself countless times," he replied.
I noticed the grains of sand stuck to various parts of his face, "You got a little," I motioned to his face, "everywhere."
He rubbed his face, "You can call me sandy cheeks."
"Your jokes are almost as bad as Natalia's."
Don't throw me under the bus!
"Natalia? Isn't she dead?" Ryan asked me.
Ooh, busted. That's it. Pack your bags. You're getting a one way ticket to crazy town.
"Shut up, I'm in a bad situation here," I said to Natalia.
"Why are you talking to yourself?" Ryan asked.
Try getting out of this one.
END
Keep the Weapon:
"Maybe just in case," I said sliding the gun into my back pocket.
I continued running towards the other end of the island until I reached a set of trees separating me from Ryan and Wrennyn. Well, just Ryan for now. I couldn't see any sign of his partner in crime anywhere. He must've signed the divorce papers finally.
Oh they divorced alright.
I watched as the limp, and definitely dead body of Wrennyn was taken away to some place unknown.
"Hey now Natalia and Wrennyn can have that round two."
What makes you say we only did it once? The voice of Natalia replied with a smug tone.
"Now I understand how you got the nickname 'Russian STD.'"
Before I could give her time to reply, me being the blonde I am had to trip yet again on part of the brush on the island floor, causing me to loudly yell, "Shit!" on my way down.
That got Ryan's attention.
His head swiveled over to face me, a smirk appearing at the sight of me, "Hey Brooklyn! Long time no see! Looks like it's just us two now!"
I had no choice but to lessen the distance between us until the only thing separating us was the bridge to the ship. Ryan took the opportunity to motion or me to come on board, but I refused at first. Who knew what kind of stuff he had on that ship that could mean the end of me?
I kept shaking my head until he shrugged and joined me down on the beach.
"Well, I never thought I'd see you again," Ryan stated, noticing that I kept one hand close to my pocket.
"Same here," I replied carefully.
"But I will admit, I'll miss the sweet escape I had from your constant nagging when we paired up. Best decision of my life to abandon you."
"Like frolicking off away with your boyfriend was any better. You ended up stabbing him in the back anyway."
"In the chest, actually. With this knife," he spun the blade in between his hands tauntingly, "You'll get to know this baby pretty soon, too."
"What happened to saving people and making sure we all get out of here?"
"Eh, people change. I realized that all y'all are crazy, so I did what I had to do. I did try to save other survivors, but they all died before I got to them. Shame."
"That's a heartless thing to say. What is it made of stone?"
"No, but my extremely chiseled features are."
"Oh how I missed your vanity."
"Thanks, I love me, too. But sorry Brook, this is where you say adios."
"Don't be so quick to say that," I pulled out the gun from my pants.
"Ooh a little itty bitty gun. Like that's gonna stop me."
"Wanna bet?"
Choice 2: Shoot? or Don't shoot?
Shoot:
"Go ahead. You don't have to guts to."
I aimed the barrel of the small weapon to face Ryan's chest. He looked back at me with a sly grin, banking on my weakness. To put on more of a show, I hesitated and slowly lowered the gun as if I had chosen not to shoot.
"See? I knew you couldn't do it."
"Think again bitch," I quickly aimed my weapon back at his chest and fired, "Bullseye!"
The dart landed square in his chest, knocking him over.
I walked over to him and whispered in his ear, "Who's Katniss now?"
Not you. You didn't even have a bow.
"Natalia this doesn't involve you."
It does now.
END
Don't Shoot:
"Go ahead. You don't have to guts to."
I aimed the barrel of the small weapon to face Ryan's chest. He looked back at me with a sly grin, banking on my weakness. Unfortunately, he was right. I couldn't shoot him. I promised myself not to kill.
"I knew it. You don't have the guts."
"Maybe so, but I can do this."
Improvising, I threw the gun straight at his face, hoping it would hit my target. Hearing a loud thunk and a few curse words was my confirmation.
Throwing? That the best you've got?
"I panicked!"
Well nice going there Miss Olympics, you gave him a concussion.
END